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Lesson 5 - Defensive Communication

Strategic Individual to Team Play

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Year 5

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Invasion Games

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58 min

Big Question

How can effective communication and positioning help fewer defenders compete against more attackers?

Learning Objectives

To pass attackers on to other defenders through clear communication
To demonstrate goalkeeper positioning skills by narrowing angles and advancing appropriately
To show leadership skills through example-setting and clear communication

Key Outcomes

Students will effectively communicate when passing attackers between defenders
Students will demonstrate confident goalkeeper positioning and angle-narrowing techniques
Students will show clear leadership skills in invasion game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Distributed to group activity stations

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, tennis balls for skill development

Handballs

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Available for second activity rotation

Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls

Cones

20 cones

Positioned around activity area with 20m approach distance

Alternative: Cones, benches, wall markings

Coloured Bibs

12 (6 for Spiderman tag, 6 for teams)

6 available for warm-up activity

Alternative: Scrunchable materials, bandanas

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For recording leadership assessment evidence

Alternative: Phone camera, observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Pass on

When a defender hands responsibility for marking an attacker to a teammate

Narrow the angle

Goalkeeper positioning to reduce the target area available to the attacker

Advance

Goalkeeper coming off their line towards the attacker

Defensive shape

How defenders position themselves relative to each other and the goal

Leadership

Guiding and inspiring others through communication and example

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of attacking and defending roles
Fundamental ball skills with hands and feet
Experience working in small groups and teams

Current Skills

Defensive communication and positioning
Goalkeeper angle-narrowing and advancing
Leadership skills in competitive situations

Next Steps

Complex defensive systems and formations
Advanced goalkeeper distribution and decision-making
Captaincy and tactical leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

Clear verbal communication between defenders

Confident goalkeeper positioning under pressure

Positive leadership behaviours during games

Key Teaching Points

Goalkeeper positioning: advance confidently when attacker's head is down or they have a heavy touch
Defensive communication: use teammates' names and give specific, clear instructions
Leadership behaviours: encourage others, set positive examples, communicate effectively
Narrowing angles: move forward to reduce target area available to attackers
Passing attackers on: engage then clearly communicate handover to appropriate defender
Reading the game: look for visual cues about when to advance or communicate
Teamwork under pressure: maintain shape and discipline when outnumbered

Common Misconceptions

Goalkeepers should always stay on their line - correct by showing how advancing reduces angles
Louder communication is always better - teach that clear, specific communication is more effective than shouting
Good defenders follow attackers everywhere - explain the importance of passing responsibility to teammates
Leadership means being bossy - demonstrate that good leaders encourage and support others
You need to be the best player to be a leader - show that communication and encouragement are leadership skills anyone can develop

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, larger equipment, reduced complexity of multi-step instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones if overwhelmed, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for communication, demonstrate rather than just verbal instruction, written cards with key phrases

physical disability

Modify goalkeeper role to seated or supported position, adjust distances, use lighter balls, focus on tactical communication

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving clear instructions, using appropriate vocabulary for different audiences

Maths

Calculating angles in goalkeeper positioning, measuring distances for activity setup, timing activities using stopwatches

Science

Understanding forces in ball throwing, body mechanics in movement, cardiovascular responses during exercise

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, building confidence, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between groups during skill practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, confidence in goalkeeper positioning, leadership behaviours, and safe skill execution

Intervention Points

Step in when communication breaks down, when safety is compromised, or when students need technical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for goalkeeper positioning, model positive communication consistently, provide specific examples rather than general praise

Verbal Cues

•'Make yourself big!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Pass them on!'
•'Advance with confidence!'
•'Great leadership example!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m for multiple activities

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from hazards and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goals are stable and properly anchored
•Verify bibs are soft and suitable for throwing
•Confirm cones and markers have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during chasing activities
•Impact from thrown bibs or balls
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Contact during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Underarm throwing technique enforced
•Adequate spacing between activity groups
•Progressive skill building with proper warm-up
•Clear communication of safety expectations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor throwing technique during Spiderman tag
•Watch for safe advancing technique in goalkeeper practice
•Ensure fair play and safety during games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required