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Lesson 2 - Introducing Defending

Defence to Tournament Play

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Year 5

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Football

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to defend effectively and win back possession of the ball?

Learning Objectives

To understand why defending is essential in football and develop basic defending strategies
To learn and apply pressure defending techniques when not in possession
To work collaboratively as defenders using marking and tracking back principles

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective pressure defending by staying close to attackers and slowing down attacks
Students will understand when and how to apply defensive pressure without rushing into tackles
Students will show teamwork in defensive situations through marking and supporting teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per pair (15)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls for control practice

Cones

20-30

Create boundaries and target lines for games

Alternative: Markers or spots

Bibs

15 (one colour)

Identify defenders in practice games

Alternative: Different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Pressure

Closing down the space around an attacker to limit their options

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball easily

Tracking back

Running back towards your own goal to help defend when possession is lost

Tackling

Using your feet to take the ball away from an opponent safely

Closing down

Reducing the space and time an attacker has with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling and ball control skills
Understanding of attacking principles in football
Experience with 1v1 and small-sided games

Current Skills

Pressure defending and closing down space
Tracking and marking opponents
Collaborative defending strategies

Next Steps

Advanced tackling techniques
Defensive shape and formation play
Transition from defence to attack

Milestone Indicators

Maintains appropriate distance when defending

Shows patience in defensive situations

Communicates with teammates during defensive phases

Key Teaching Points

Patience in defending - don't rush in, wait for the right moment
Stay close enough to touch the attacker but avoid grabbing or pushing
Communication between defenders is essential for effective teamwork
Watch the ball, not the attacker's body movements or eyes
Adopt a sideways body position when applying pressure to maintain balance
Track back quickly when possession is lost to help the team defend
Understand when to pressure the ball and when to mark other players

Common Misconceptions

That defending means always trying to tackle immediately - correct by emphasising patience and pressure
That faster always means better in defending - explain controlled approaches are more effective
That only one player needs to defend at a time - teach collaborative defending strategies
That you should watch the attacker's body not the ball - demonstrate focusing on ball movement
That tackling is the only way to defend - show how pressure and marking can be equally effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear and immediate feedback, use high-energy activities to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use slower movements initially, provide extra practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed by physical contact

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of defensive positions, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual hand signals for start/stop, provide written instructions on cards, ensure student can see all demonstrations clearly

physical disability

Adapt to seated defending using hands to block, modify distances and speeds, use larger lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for touching distance game, calculating success rates in defending attempts, understanding angles of approach

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movements, reaction times in responding to attackers, physics of ball movement and control

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on field, understanding of defensive territories and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration in defensive partnerships, resilience when facing attacking pressure, respect for opponents and rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for clear visibility, position between groups during games to monitor closely

Observation Focus

Watch for controlled defensive approaches, appropriate physical contact, and collaborative defending strategies

Intervention Points

Step in if tackling becomes too aggressive, if students are not applying pressure correctly, or if safety rules are ignored

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated body positions to show correct defending stance, emphasise patience over rushing, demonstrate with confident student volunteers

Verbal Cues

•'Stay close but don't grab!'
•'Control your approach!'
•'Watch the ball, not their eyes!'
•'Communicate with your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and with adequate run-off space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp or broken edges
•Verify bibs are clean and tear-free

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during defending practice
•Inappropriate tackling leading to injury
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes from uncontrolled kicks

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear no-tackling rules for early practices
•Maintain adequate spacing between practice areas
•Emphasise controlled movements over speed
•Progress gradually from non-contact to limited contact activities
•Clear communication about safety expectations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor physical contact levels during games
•Watch for fatigue that could lead to poor technique
•Ensure students understand and follow safety rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and notify school procedures as required