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Lesson 4 - Defensive Strategies & Positioning

Individual to Team Strategy

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Year 5

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How do different defensive strategies help teams protect their goal and create opportunities to regain possession?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply man-to-man and zone defence strategies
To demonstrate effective marking techniques to limit opposition opportunities
To show agility, balance, coordination and precision in defensive movements

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to explain the difference between man-to-man and zone defence
Students will demonstrate appropriate defensive positioning and movement
Students will evaluate the effectiveness of different defensive strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student or 1 between 2 (15-30 balls)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls for younger students

Balls

3 (red, yellow, green)

Carried by teacher for traffic lights warm-up

Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated cards, coloured bibs

Cones

1 per pair (15 cones)

Placed 10 feet apart for marking activities

Alternative: Playground markings, rope markers, chalk circles

Bibs

15 (one colour for defenders)

Used to identify attacking and defending teams clearly

Alternative: Different coloured tops, pinnards, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man defence

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for guarding a specific attacker

Zone defence

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for guarding a specific area of the court

Triple threat position

A balanced ready position from which a player can pass, dribble, or shoot

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or moving freely

Defensive pressure

Applying close marking and active defence to make it difficult for attackers to play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling skills
Understanding of triple threat position
Basic passing and catching techniques
Awareness of court space and boundaries

Current Skills

Man-to-man defensive positioning
Zone defence concept and application
Defensive movement and footwork
Communication in defensive situations

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies like switching and help defence
Transition from defence to attack
Pressing and trapping techniques
Game situation decision-making

Milestone Indicators

Maintains low defensive stance throughout activity

Correctly identifies and applies appropriate defensive strategy

Shows quick feet and reactive movement

Communicates effectively with defensive teammates

Key Teaching Points

Man-to-man defence means each defender guards a specific attacker throughout
Zone defence means each defender is responsible for guarding a specific area of the court
Effective defence requires good communication between all defensive players
Defensive stance should be low, balanced, with feet shoulder-width apart and arms wide
Proper defensive positioning means staying between the attacker and the goal
Both defensive strategies have advantages - the key is knowing when to use each one
No physical contact is allowed - defence is achieved through positioning and movement only

Common Misconceptions

That man-to-man defence means physical contact with the attacker - correction: it means following and marking without touching
That zone defence is easier than man-to-man defence - correction: both require skill, communication and understanding
That good defence is only about individual effort - correction: team defence requires excellent communication and cooperation
That you should always use the same defensive strategy - correction: effective teams adapt their defensive approach based on the situation
That defence is less important than attack - correction: good defence creates opportunities for successful attacks

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement and role changes, specific tasks and responsibilities, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra demonstration time, visual cue cards for positioning, focus on understanding concepts rather than perfect technique execution

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule showing lesson progression, consistent routines and signals, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, structured roles and responsibilities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bean bags for signals, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher clearly, use visual cues for timing and changes

physical disability

Adapted defensive positions that can be performed seated or with mobility aids, modified marking distances, alternative ways to show defensive strategies, focus on understanding rather than physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry through court positioning, measuring distances for defensive coverage, angles of approach and defensive positioning

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movement, friction and grip during quick direction changes, reaction times and nervous system responses

Geography

Understanding of space and territory in zone defence, mapping court areas and defensive responsibilities

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive partnerships, resilience when attackers succeed, respect for opponents and fair play principles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between activity groups, position at corners for maximum court visibility, step back during game situations to observe overall play

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive stance and footwork technique; Monitor understanding of tactical concepts through application; Observe communication and cooperation between defensive partners; Check for safety compliance especially during competitive phases

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately if contact rules are broken", "Provide immediate feedback on dangerous defensive positioning", "Intervene if students are struggling with tactical concepts", "Support students who are finding competitive elements challenging"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show defensive techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison, use positive examples from class during activities

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low, stay balanced!'
•'Keep your eyes up, watch the player not the ball!'
•'Communicate with your defensive partner!'
•'Remember - no contact, just positioning!'
•'Which defensive system are you using?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum basketball court size (28m x 15m) or equivalent hall space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface free from hazards, adequate grip for defensive shuffling movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones positioned safely away from main activity areas
•Bean bags/visual signals clearly visible and safely handled

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during defensive movement and game situations
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Overexertion during competitive game phases
•Contact between students during marking activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear no-contact rules established and reinforced throughout
•Adequate spacing maintained between activity groups
•Progressive skill building from individual to competitive situations
•Regular breaks and role changes to prevent overexertion
•Clear boundaries and safe zones established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor high-intensity game situations closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe participation
•Ensure equal participation and appropriate competitive intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek assistance, ensure other students are safely managed during any emergency response