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Lesson 6 - Defending Skills and Jockeying

Individual Control to Team Play

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Year 5

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Pre-positioned around teaching area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines for boundaries

Softballs

10 (1 per pair plus spares)

Distributed in mesh bag at edge of area

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, tennis balls for beginners

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

A defensive technique where you move backwards while staying in front of an attacker to slow them down and limit their options

Tracking

Following an opponent's movement while maintaining defensive position

Close Down

Moving quickly towards an opponent to reduce the time and space they have with the ball

Body Shape

The positioning of your body to be most effective in defence - sideways on, low, balanced

Diving In

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

Maintains correct defensive stance for 80% of 1v1 situations

Makes appropriate jockey/tackle decisions in game scenarios

Demonstrates improved team defending coordination

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