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Lesson 4 - Defensive Teamwork

Skills to Team Strategy

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Year 5

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective communication and tactical awareness help us defend successfully as a team?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills during defensive play
To understand and apply thoughtful defensive positioning and timing
To link multiple skills together in defensive sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate clearly with teammates during defensive situations
Students will demonstrate controlled defensive approach without overcommitting
Students will combine movement, communication and decision-making in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 6 students (5 total)

Place one ball in centre of each practice area

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for easier control

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 sets of 5 different colours)

Distribute to identify teams and taggers clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands or team shirts

Cones

Mark area boundaries and pitch dimensions

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Goals

4 (can be cones or small goals)

Position at corners and ends of playing areas

Alternative: Corner flags, markers, or drawn targets

Key Vocabulary

Pressure

Closing down space quickly to limit an opponent's options

Communication

Talking to teammates to coordinate defensive actions

Overcommitting

Moving too far or too fast, making it easy for opponents to get past

Anticipation

Reading the game to predict what might happen next

Covering

Supporting a teammate by positioning behind or beside them

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and passing techniques
Understanding of attacking principles
Basic awareness of space and movement

Current Skills

Defensive communication and teamwork
Controlled defensive approach and timing
Linking defensive skills in sequences

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies and formations
Transition from defence to attack
Leadership roles in team defensive systems

Milestone Indicators

Clear verbal communication during play

Controlled approach without diving in

Successful combinations of defensive skills

Key Teaching Points

Defensive movement should be controlled and balanced, not rushed
Communication between defenders is essential for effective teamwork
Wait for the trigger (ball touch) before moving to apply pressure
Force attackers to make decisions under pressure rather than winning ball immediately
Maintain team shape and support your defensive partner
Link defensive skills together in sequences for maximum effectiveness
Apply learned skills consistently in game situations under pressure

Common Misconceptions

That good defending means winning the ball immediately - correct by emphasising pressure and forcing decisions
That defenders should work individually - correct by demonstrating coordinated defending partnerships
That communication isn't important in defending - correct by showing how communication improves team effectiveness
That rushing in is more effective than controlled approach - correct by demonstrating controlled pressure technique
That defending is just about physical skills - correct by highlighting tactical awareness and decision making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear and simple instructions, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual cues for positioning and technique

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, designated quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bibs and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted roles such as tactical coaching, seated defending positions, modified equipment sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes, measuring distances between defenders, calculating angles of approach

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movement, reaction times, physics of ball movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning and angles, understanding of area and space

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, leadership and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally to observe all groups, move between activities to provide specific feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for defensive communication, controlled approach technique, and team coordination

Intervention Points

Step in if physical contact becomes excessive or if students struggle with defensive concepts

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show defensive positioning, emphasise communication through vocal demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Control your approach!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Force them one way!'
•'Don't dive in too early!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m per 4v4 game, plus additional space for practice activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for football activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and fit properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during defensive pressure
•Overexertion during game activities
•Falls during quick directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about appropriate physical contact
•Adequate space between practice areas
•Progressive skill building from controlled to game situations
•Regular hydration breaks during intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor physical contact levels in game situations
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical assistance