Lesson 3 - Defending Skills and Tactics
Defence to Tournament Play
•Year 5
•Football
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How can we work as a team to prevent attackers from scoring and regain possession of the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop defending skills including tackling, pressuring and marking
- To apply simple defending tactics during games to prevent attacking opportunities
- To understand when and how to transition from defence to attack
Key Outcomes
- Students will pressure players with the ball effectively and time tackles appropriately
- Students will work collaboratively to create and apply defensive tactics
- Students will understand the principles of man-to-man marking and positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around pitch perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, tennis balls for control practice
Mark out pitch boundaries and goal areas
Alternative: Markers, bibs as corner markers
4 small goals in corners, 1 larger goal for final activity
Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on walls
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts
Key Vocabulary
Moving close to the ball carrier to limit their time and space
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball
Using feet to win the ball from an opponent
Quickly transitioning from defence to attack after winning possession
Running back towards your own goal when possession is lost
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and passing skills
- Understanding of attacking principles
- Simple 1v1 defending concepts
Current Skills
- Pressuring the ball carrier effectively
- Man-to-man marking and positioning
- Collaborative defending tactics
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive formations
- Zonal marking systems
- Complex transition play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive stance must be low and balanced with weight on balls of feet
- Approach attackers at an angle, never straight on, to maintain control
- Communication between defenders is essential for successful team defending
- Pressure the ball carrier immediately but wait for the right moment to tackle
- Support defender should position diagonally behind pressure defender
- Stay goal-side of opponents and maintain awareness of all attacking threats
- Winning possession is just as valuable as preventing goals in defending
Common Misconceptions
- That defending means diving in for tackles immediately - correct approach is patient pressure
- That individual defending is more effective than team defending - teamwork is crucial
- That defenders should chase the ball everywhere - positioning and covering space is more important
- That defending is less skilful than attacking - defending requires technique, communication and intelligence
- That bigger students are automatically better defenders - technique and tactics matter more than size
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear objectives, regular movement between activities, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Slower skill introduction, larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable role assignments
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for positioning, audio cues for direction changes
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, ensure face-to-face instruction
physical disability
- Modified defending roles (goalkeeping option), seated defending practice, adapted equipment size, reduced area size
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in tackling, balance and centre of gravity, reaction times and nervous system responses
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding of position and direction, mapping movement patterns around the pitch
Mathematics
Angles of approach, spatial awareness, measuring distances, timing calculations, geometric shapes in formations
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activities for maximum visibility, position near most challenging groups
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive stance, timing of challenges, and team communication patterns
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe tackling, provide support for struggling defenders, celebrate good teamwork
Demonstration Notes
Use students as examples when possible, exaggerate key movements for visibility, maintain enthusiasm throughout lesson
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay low and balanced!'
- •'Watch the ball, not the player!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
- •'Good pressure - well done!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles with safe run-off zones around goals
Surface Check
Dry, level grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris or standing water
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated (not over-inflated)
- •Ensure cone goals have no sharp edges or broken parts
- •Verify bibs are in good condition without tears
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during tackles
- •Trips and falls on uneven surface
- •Overexertion in high-intensity activities
- •Ball strikes to face or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise safe tackling technique - feet only, no contact
- •Maintain adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building before full games
- •Clear boundaries and stop signals established
- •Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor tackling technique and intervene for unsafe practices
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure immediate response to any incidents
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support, complete incident documentation