Lesson 5 - Defensive Communication
Strategic Individual to Team Play
•Year 5
•Invasion Games
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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
Distributed to group activity stations
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, tennis balls for skill development
Available for second activity rotation
Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls
Positioned around activity area with 20m approach distance
Alternative: Cones, benches, wall markings
6 available for warm-up activity
Alternative: Scrunchable materials, bandanas
For recording leadership assessment evidence
Alternative: Phone camera, observation sheets
Key Vocabulary
When a defender hands responsibility for marking an attacker to a teammate
Goalkeeper positioning to reduce the target area available to the attacker
Goalkeeper coming off their line towards the attacker
How defenders position themselves relative to each other and the goal
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
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