🏀

Lesson 2 - Develop Marking

Attack & Defence Tactics

•

Year 5

•

Basketball

•

45 min

Big Question

How can effective marking prevent opponents from creating attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop knowledge and understanding of defending through marking techniques
To apply basic defending tactics using man-to-man marking in game situations
To understand the terminology and principles of effective defensive play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective marking of players with and without the ball
Students will apply pressure to prevent passes and force errors
Students will understand when and how to use man-to-man marking tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per group of 3 (10 total)

Place balls around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs

Basketball Hoops

2-4 depending on court setup

Ensure adequate space around each hoop for safety

Alternative: Large cones as targets, wall targets

Coloured Bibs

15 (5 each of 3 colours)

Distribute different colours to distinguish teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Cones

Mark boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking a specific attacker throughout the game

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or making effective plays

Pressure

Applying defensive pressure by positioning close to the ball carrier to limit their options

Ball carrier

The attacking player who currently has possession of the basketball

Off-ball marking

Marking opponents who don't currently have the ball but could receive a pass

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of basketball rules and boundaries
Experience with simple defending positions
Ability to move and change direction quickly

Current Skills

Man-to-man marking techniques
Applying pressure to ball carriers
Understanding defensive responsibilities

Next Steps

Zone defence strategies
Advanced intercepting techniques
Team defensive communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistently stays within arm's reach of marked player

Forces attackers to hold ball for 4+ seconds

Successfully prevents 3 out of 5 attempted passes

Key Teaching Points

Marking means staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or making effective plays
Man-to-man marking assigns each defender responsibility for one specific attacker throughout the game
Effective marking requires staying within arm's reach while maintaining balance and vision of both player and ball
Pressure on the ball carrier should force them to make quick decisions or hold the ball beyond the 4-second rule
Good defenders keep their knees bent, arms ready, and feet moving to track opponent movement
Marking off the ball involves positioning between your opponent and the ball to intercept potential passes
Communication between defenders is essential for effective team defence and covering for teammates

Common Misconceptions

Thinking marking means you can touch or grab the opponent - correct this by emphasising close positioning without contact
Believing only the ball carrier needs to be marked - explain that all attackers should be marked to prevent easy passes
Assuming marking is about stealing the ball - clarify that prevention and pressure are more important than interception
Thinking faster players can't be marked effectively - teach that good positioning beats pure speed
Believing marking is only important when opponents have the ball - explain that marking continues throughout transitions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide frequent activity changes, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback and praise, allow movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment if needed, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules for lesson progression, allow quiet zones if overwhelmed, give advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs for team identification, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, use tactile markers for boundaries, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game management, written instructions on whiteboard, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt marking to seated position if wheelchair user, modify movement requirements, use zone defence concepts, provide appropriate equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning and using sport-specific vocabulary, communication with teammates, giving and receiving feedback

Maths

Counting 4-second rule, measuring distances for marking, calculating defensive success rates, understanding spatial relationships

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movement, reaction times and responses, understanding body mechanics in defensive stances

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defence, respect for opponents, managing competitive emotions, building resilience when defending

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activities to observe all students, position at centre during demonstrations, stay mobile during games for best supervision

Observation Focus

Watch for appropriate marking distance, defensive body position, fair play, and application of learned principles

Intervention Points

Step in when physical contact becomes excessive, when students are struggling with concepts, or when safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use student volunteers effectively, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, provide running commentary during demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Stay close but don't touch!'
•'Watch the ball carrier!'
•'Keep your feet moving!'
•'Well done, that's excellent marking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half basketball court minimum (15m x 14m), full court preferred for game application

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, proper basketball court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Basketball hoops securely mounted with no sharp edges
•Coloured bibs clean and appropriate sizes available

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during marking practice
•Falls from aggressive defensive play
•Contact injuries from over-enthusiastic defending
•Fatigue-related accidents during game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Emphasis on close marking without physical contact
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular rest periods and role rotations
•Constant monitoring of physical contact levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during game situations
•Monitor physical contact levels continuously
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair play and sporting behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required