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Lesson 3 - Marking and Interception

Defensive Tactics Progression

•

Year 5

•

Hockey

•

1h 3min

Big Question

How can smart positioning and quick reactions help defenders stop attackers from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply effective marking techniques in hockey
To develop skills in intercepting passes and blocking attacking movements
To demonstrate tactical awareness in defensive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to mark opponents effectively using correct positioning
Students will intercept passes and block attacks with improved timing
Students will apply marking strategies successfully in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height is appropriate - should reach student's hip bone

Alternative: Foam hockey sticks for beginners, tennis rackets for basic skills

Hockey balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Ensure balls are suitable for surface - softer balls for hard courts

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility of zones and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope

Coloured Bibs

8 (different colours)

Different colour for marking defenders to aid understanding

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Goals

Goals should be proportionate to pitch size - larger for this lesson

Alternative: Cones, benches, wall markings

Key Vocabulary

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving or playing the ball effectively

Interception

Gaining possession of the ball by blocking or catching a pass intended for an opponent

Shadowing

Following an opponent's movements closely to mirror their actions and block their path

Defensive zone

The area closest to your own goal where defending is most critical

Positioning

Where a player places themselves on the field in relation to opponents, teammates, and the goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling skills
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Knowledge of game rules and boundaries

Current Skills

Effective marking techniques and positioning
Ball interception and blocking skills
Tactical awareness in defensive situations

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations and team marking
Transition from defence to attack
Complex game strategies and communication

Milestone Indicators

Student can maintain close marking without fouling

Student successfully intercepts 3 out of 5 passes

Student demonstrates understanding of when to mark versus when to intercept

Key Teaching Points

Defenders should position themselves between the attacker and the goal
Stay on toes to enable quick reactions to attacker movements
Watch both the ball and the player you are marking
Maintain appropriate distance - close enough to pressure, far enough to react
Use anticipation to read attacker intentions and intercept passes
Keep stick low and ready for legal challenges when appropriate
Communicate with teammates about marking responsibilities

Common Misconceptions

Standing too close to attacker makes defending easier - actually reduces reaction time
Only watching the ball - need to watch both ball and player being marked
Marking means constant physical contact - should be positioning and pressure
All defenders should mark the player with the ball - need to mark dangerous players without ball
Faster players can't be marked effectively - positioning and anticipation overcome speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear, simple instructions, use movement breaks, offer choice in roles when possible

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for skill development, use larger equipment for easier handling, provide additional demonstrations, focus on achievable goals

autism spectrum

Provide clear, consistent routines, use visual timetables for lesson sections, offer quiet zones if needed, maintain predictable structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and cones, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, establish clear audio signals for activities, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written activity instructions, use visual cues for transitions

physical disability

Adapt marking distances for seated players, modify movement requirements, use appropriate equipment modifications, focus on tactical understanding

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Estimating distances for effective marking, calculating angles for defensive positioning, measuring zones and pitch dimensions, timing activities and rotations

Science

Understanding forces and motion in defensive positioning, body systems during physical activity, physics of ball movement and interception

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping defensive areas and zones

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive situations, resilience when facing attacking challenges, leadership in organising defence, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner of area during games for maximum visibility, stay mobile to provide immediate feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct marking distance and positioning, monitor student understanding of roles, observe skill progression throughout lesson

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide quick coaching points during natural breaks, intervene when students show confusion about roles or rules

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Stay between your player and the goal!'
•'Watch the ball and your player!'
•'Stay on your toes, ready to move!'
•'Anticipate where they're going!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple small-sided games, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running with hockey sticks, check for debris or unsafe areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or sharp edges
•Ensure stick sizes appropriate for students (hip height)
•Verify balls are suitable for surface and age group
•Check cones are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students or ground causing injury
•Collisions during ball contests and marking situations
•Slips and falls during direction changes and movement
•Ball strikes to body or head

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear stick safety rules from start of lesson
•Emphasise controlled movement and safe contact
•Ensure adequate spacing between practice areas
•Progressive skill building with safety checks at each stage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
•Monitor stick handling technique and safety throughout
•Focus on high-activity areas during competitive activities
•Ensure immediate access to all practice areas

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established and practiced, first aid kit accessible, clear emergency contact procedures, designated adult to remain with any injured student

Lesson 3 - Marking and Interception

How can smart positioning and quick reactions help defenders stop attackers from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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