Lesson 1 - Block Tackle & Defence
Defensive Tactics Progression
•Year 5
•Hockey
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How can we work as a team to defend our goal and win possession back from attackers?
Learning Objectives
- Explain the role of a defender in competitive hockey games
- Perform the block tackle technique to dispossess attackers
- Apply basic defensive positioning principles in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand defensive responsibilities and positioning
- Students will execute block tackles with correct technique and timing
- Students will demonstrate effective defensive teamwork in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick length reaches students' waist when standing upright
Alternative: Shortened sticks for smaller students, left-handed sticks available
Keep spare balls around pitch perimeter for quick retrieval
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, tennis balls for skill practice
Ensure easy removal for flag tag activity
Alternative: Fabric strips, coloured bands
Create clear pitch boundaries and D zones around goals
Alternative: Markers, corner flags
Goals should be relatively large to encourage attacking play
Alternative: Cone goals 3m wide, wall targets
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique where the stick creates a barrier at right angles to stop an attacking player
Positioning yourself between the attacker and your goal to prevent scoring opportunities
The semi-circular area around the goal where players must be positioned to score
To take the ball away from an opponent through legal tackling
Illegal contact with the ball using the curved back of the hockey stick
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick grip and control
- Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
- Experience with invasion games and teamwork
Current Skills
- Block tackle technique and timing
- Defensive positioning principles
- Basic defensive rules and strategies
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive formations
- Jab tackle and other defensive techniques
- Counter-attacking from defensive positions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Block tackle uses the shaft of the stick, not the blade, creating a horizontal barrier
- Timing is crucial - wait until the last moment before executing the tackle
- Defensive positioning means staying between the attacker and your goal
- Clear communication between defenders improves team defensive effectiveness
- After a successful tackle, immediately look to clear the ball to safety or pass to a teammate
- Maintain correct grip throughout all defensive movements for control and safety
- Work as a defensive unit rather than individual defenders
Common Misconceptions
- Using the blade instead of shaft for block tackles - explain and demonstrate the barrier principle
- Tackling too early giving attackers time to dodge - emphasise last-moment timing
- Thinking defence is only about tackling - highlight positioning and communication importance
- Believing bigger is better in tackles - focus on technique over force
- Assuming all players should rush to the ball - teach defensive shape and roles
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available, predictable game formats with consistent rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, clear verbal boundary calls
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, vibrant visual cues for game situations
physical disability
- Seated hockey adaptations, modified stick lengths, larger target areas, adapted tackle techniques for limited mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring pitch dimensions, counting scores and time, calculating tackle success rates, understanding angles in defensive positioning
Science
Forces and friction in tackling, body mechanics and balance, physics of ball movement and stick contact
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of territory and boundaries, mapping movement patterns on pitch
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defence, resilience when tackled, fair play and respect for opponents, leadership in team situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during games for full view, central position during demonstrations, close proximity during skill practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip and tackle timing, monitor rule adherence, assess defensive positioning and teamwork
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, correct persistent technique errors, facilitate positive team dynamics
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples, exaggerate key movements for clarity, repeat demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Wait for it... now!' for tackle timing
- •'Strong barrier!' for block tackle position
- •'Get behind the ball!' for defensive positioning
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for game play, clear of obstacles, additional space for skill practice
Surface Check
Even surface suitable for hockey, free from holes or debris, adequate grip for safe movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Hockey sticks appropriate length for students
- •Check sticks for damage or splinters
- •Balls inflated correctly and clean
- •Bibs/tags secure but easily removable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other students
- •Collisions during game play
- •Trips and falls
- •Ball strikes
Risk Mitigation
- •Reinforce no-contact rules consistently
- •Maintain adequate spacing during activities
- •Progressive skill building before full game play
- •Clear boundaries and controlled areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor stick safety during tackles
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required