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Lesson 6 - Defensive Skills & Tactics

Skill Integration Mastery

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Year 5

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use defensive positioning and teamwork to control the game and win possession?

Learning Objectives

To develop slide defence technique to track and delay opponents
To apply tactical awareness in defensive situations
To demonstrate effective communication and collaboration in defensive play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate slide defence technique with correct body positioning
Students will work as a team to implement defensive tactics
Students will show improved decision-making in defensive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Store around perimeter, collect when needed for activities

Alternative: Footballs or other bouncing balls

Cones

30 (various colours if available)

Use to mark boundaries, goals, and activity areas clearly

Alternative: Markers, spots, or improvised boundaries

Team bibs

15 (2-3 different colours)

Distribute before team activities to identify teams clearly

Alternative: Coloured pinnies or ask students to tuck in shirts

Key Vocabulary

Slide defence

A defensive technique where you move sideways to stay in front of an opponent without crossing your feet

Tracking

Following an opponent's movements to maintain defensive position

Interception

Winning the ball by reading the play and stepping into a pass

Defensive stance

Ready position with knees bent, arms wide, and weight on balls of feet

Tactical awareness

Understanding where to be and what to do to help your team defend effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with team games and basic rules

Current Skills

Slide defence footwork and positioning
Tracking opponent movement
Defensive tactical awareness
Team communication in defence

Next Steps

Advanced defensive techniques like steals and blocks
Complex team defensive systems
Transition from defence to attack

Milestone Indicators

Maintains defensive stance for extended periods

Anticipates opponent movements

Communicates effectively with teammates

Shows tactical understanding in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Slide defence requires feet to never cross - like train wheels on tracks
Defensive position is always between opponent and goal/target
Communication is essential for effective team defence
Different games require different defensive approaches - protect vs win ball
Good defenders stay low and balanced with knees bent
Tactics must be simple and practised to be effective in games
Individual defensive skills must work within team framework

Common Misconceptions

Thinking good defence means always trying to steal the ball - actually it's about positioning and delay
Believing all defenders should chase the ball - need to maintain team shape
Assuming faster movement means crossing feet - slide defence keeps feet apart
Thinking tactics are too complex for this age - simple plans work best
Believing defence is less important than attack - defence wins games
Assuming one defender can do everything - defence is a team responsibility

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable activity progression

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, visual tactical boards

physical disability

Seated defending positions, modified movement patterns, adapted equipment, wheelchair-accessible areas

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during tactics discussions, using specific vocabulary, listening and responding to instructions

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movements, body mechanics in slide defence, reaction times and decision making

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of territory and boundaries, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership roles, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honesty

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position for demonstrations, courtside during games

Observation Focus

Watch for slide defence technique, defensive positioning, team communication, safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when students struggling with technique, when games becoming uncompetitive

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slide defence slowly first, then at game speed. Use students as examples when they show good technique. Show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity.

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low and slide!'
•'Between player and goal!'
•'Talk to your team!'
•'Control the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from loose objects, suitable for sliding movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Team bibs in good condition without loose parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during slide defence practice
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Contact during competitive games
•Ball strikes during passing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between practice groups
•Emphasis on controlled defending without excessive contact
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Fair play rules enforced consistently

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during skill practice
•Monitor competitive games for appropriate contact levels
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

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