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Lesson 5 - Defending & Counter-Attack

Individual To Team Play

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we defend effectively as a team and quickly transition to create attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To refine defending skills including marking, tackling and blocking
To develop understanding of transition from defence to attack
To apply defending tactics during games to prevent attacking opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective man-to-man marking and team defending
Students will show understanding of counter-attack principles
Students will transition fluidly between attacking and defending roles

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before use

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, tennis rackets for basic skills

Hockey balls

1 per 2 students (15)

Use appropriate balls for surface and skill level

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Goals

4 goals

Ensure goals are stable and safe

Alternative: Cones or markers for goal posts

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (2 colours)

Clearly distinguish teams

Alternative: Different coloured tops or bands

Dish Cones

20 cones

Mark pitch boundaries and channels clearly

Alternative: Markers or lines

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to mark a specific attacker

Counter-attack

A quick attacking move following the regaining of possession from the opposition

Marking

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

Transition

The change from defending to attacking or vice versa when possession changes

Pressure

Applying immediate defensive challenge to the player with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and ball control
Understanding of passing and receiving
Knowledge of attacking principles

Current Skills

Man-to-man marking techniques
Team defending strategies
Quick transition from defence to attack

Next Steps

Advanced defending tactics and systems
Complex game strategies
Tournament play and advanced officiating

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently mark opponents effectively

Quick recognition of possession changes

Successful counter-attacks from defensive situations

Key Teaching Points

Man-to-man marking requires goal-side positioning and appropriate distance
Team defending needs one player pressuring ball, one covering space
Quick transition from defence to attack creates scoring opportunities
Communication is essential for effective team defending
Controlled pressure is more effective than rushing in
Counter-attacks should be immediate and forward-thinking
Fair officiating develops leadership and respect for rules

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that good defending means always trying to win the ball - sometimes containing is better
Believing that the nearest defender should always go to the ball - covering space is equally important
Assuming that winning the ball means the defending is complete - transition to attack is crucial
Thinking that marking means staying very close - appropriate distance allows for reaction time
Believing that defending is only about individual skills - team coordination is essential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and rules, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Slower movement speeds initially, larger equipment, simplified instructions, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable game formats

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio signals for game events

hearing impairment

Visual signals and hand gestures, written instructions available, use of visual demonstration, clear sightlines to teacher

physical disability

Modified rules allowing more touches, shorter distances, seated versions where appropriate, adapted equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces in tackling and blocking, momentum in counter-attacks, physics of ball movement, reaction times in defending

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of zones and territories, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defence, leadership in officiating, respect for rules and opponents, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position to see all students during activities, move around groups during skill practices, maintain central view during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct marking technique, communication between defenders, safe stick handling, appropriate challenge levels

Intervention Points

Step in when defending principles are forgotten, when unsafe play develops, when students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples when possible, demonstrate key positions clearly, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Mark your player!'
•'Communication defenders!'
•'Counter-attack now!'
•'Goal-side position!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for main game, additional areas for skill practices

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, debris or wet areas that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters or loose parts
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and not damaged
•Goals must be stable and properly assembled
•Bibs clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other players
•Ball striking players at speed
•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Trips and falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise stick safety - keep low and controlled at all times
•Clear rules about no contact play
•Adequate spacing between practice areas and games
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Proper warm-up to prepare muscles and joints

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skill practices
•Move around during games to monitor contact levels
•Have clear sight lines to all activities
•Be prepared to intervene quickly if unsafe play develops

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply first aid if trained, seek additional support for serious injuries