Lesson 2 - Introducing Defending
Defence to Tournament Play
•Year 5
•Football
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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
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls for control practice
Create boundaries and target lines for games
Alternative: Markers or spots
Identify defenders in practice games
Alternative: Different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
Closing down the space around an attacker to limit their options
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball easily
Running back towards your own goal to help defend when possession is lost
Using your feet to take the ball away from an opponent safely
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
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