Lesson 2 - Develop Marking
Attack & Defence Tactics
•Year 5
•Basketball
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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
Place balls around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs
Ensure adequate space around each hoop for safety
Alternative: Large cones as targets, wall targets
Distribute different colours to distinguish teams
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Mark boundaries and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, spots
Key Vocabulary
A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking a specific attacker throughout the game
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or making effective plays
Applying defensive pressure by positioning close to the ball carrier to limit their options
The attacking player who currently has possession of the basketball
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
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