⚽

Lesson 3 - Defending Skills and Tactics

Defence to Tournament Play

•

Year 5

•

Football

•

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around pitch perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 3 balls for smaller students, tennis balls for control practice

Cones

Mark out pitch boundaries and goal areas

Alternative: Markers, bibs as corner markers

Goals

5 (4 corner goals + 1 main goal)

4 small goals in corners, 1 larger goal for final activity

Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on walls

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 sets of different colours)

Clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts

Key Vocabulary

Pressure

Moving close to the ball carrier to limit their time and space

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball

Tackling

Using feet to win the ball from an opponent

Counter-attack

Quickly transitioning from defence to attack after winning possession

Tracking back

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

Consistently applies pressure without diving in

Maintains defensive shape when ball moves

Communicates effectively with defensive teammates

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