Lesson 6 - Defending Skills and Jockeying
Individual Control to Team Play
•Year 5
•Football
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How can effective defending help my team regain possession and create new attacking opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop understanding of jockeying and tracking as defensive techniques
- To apply defending skills in game situations to regain possession
- To make tactical decisions about when to jockey versus when to tackle
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proper jockeying technique with correct body position
- Students will show improved defensive decision-making in 1v1 and team situations
- Students will understand how defending contributes to team success
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-positioned around teaching area perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines for boundaries
Distributed in mesh bag at edge of area
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, tennis balls for beginners
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique where you move backwards while staying in front of an attacker to slow them down and limit their options
Following an opponent's movement while maintaining defensive position
Moving quickly towards an opponent to reduce the time and space they have with the ball
The positioning of your body to be most effective in defence - sideways on, low, balanced
Making a rash tackle attempt that leaves you easily beaten if unsuccessful
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and dribbling skills
- Understanding of attacking principles
- Experience with simple tackling
Current Skills
- Jockeying and tracking techniques
- Defensive positioning and body shape
- Decision-making in defensive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced defending in larger team formats
- Defensive systems and formations
- Transition from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise patience in defending over rushing in for tackles
- Maintain low centre of gravity with knees bent throughout jockeying
- Use sideways body position to force attackers into predictable paths
- Close down space quickly but then defend patiently
- Communicate constantly with teammates during defensive situations
- Celebrate fair play and honest decision-making equally with skill development
- Connect individual defending skills to team defensive success
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking good defending means always trying to tackle the ball - actually jockeying is often more effective
- Standing square-on to attackers instead of sideways stance which gives better mobility and balance
- Believing defending is less important than attacking - good defending creates attacking opportunities
- Assuming faster players always beat defenders - positioning and timing matter more than speed
- Thinking individual defending is enough - team defending coordination is crucial for success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear visible boundaries, offer specific role responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier control, focus on one technique element at a time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure to activities, visual timetable of lesson sections, quiet zone available if needed, prepare for competition anxiety
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and positioning, pair with sighted buddy for activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Modify to seated defending position, use larger lighter balls, adapt distances to suit mobility, focus on decision-making skills
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for cone placement, calculating angles of approach in defending, timing and speed concepts
Science
Forces and motion in defending actions, balance and centre of gravity, reaction times and decision-making
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping defensive areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, respect and fair play, managing competition and disappointment, building resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate constantly during practice, position at corner of games area for maximum visibility of all groups
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive stance, appropriate timing of challenges, and fair play standards
Intervention Points
Step in when students not applying technique, safety concerns arise, or unfair play occurs
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate jockeying technique regularly, use student volunteers to show good examples, emphasise key body position points
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay low and balanced!'
- •'Don't dive in, be patient!'
- •'Close down the space quickly!'
- •'Great defensive shape!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full lesson, clear of obstacles and other activities
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from hazards, holes, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Position spare equipment safely away from playing areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during competitive activities
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Contact during defensive challenges
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate space between groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on controlled contact and fair play
- •Regular rest periods and hydration reminders
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor competitive games for appropriate contact levels
- •Watch for fatigue and overheating in active participants
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and contact emergency services if required