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Lesson 6 - Defence & Interception

Skill Mastery & Tactics

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Year 6

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can smart defensive tactics and communication help a team control the game?

Learning Objectives

To track an opponent effectively using slide defence techniques
To create and implement defensive tactics to win possession
To use defensive skills to delay opposition and make interceptions

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate slide defence with correct footwork and positioning
Students will create tactical plans to defend as a team unit
Students will successfully intercept passes and force turnovers

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distributed at activity stations around the area

Alternative: Playground balls or netballs

Cones

Various colours for different boundaries and goals

Alternative: Sports markers or bean bags

Team bibs

15 (3 colours x 5)

Organised by colour for easy team identification

Alternative: Coloured pinnies or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Slide defence

Moving sideways whilst maintaining a low stance to stay between opponent and target

Interception

Winning possession by catching or deflecting an opponent's pass

Tracking

Following an opponent's movement whilst maintaining defensive position

Defensive stance

Low position with bent knees, wide base and arms ready

Pressure

Applying close defensive presence to make attacking difficult

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling skills
Understanding of attacking principles
Basic movement and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Slide defence footwork and positioning
Defensive communication and teamwork
Interception timing and technique

Next Steps

Advanced defensive systems (zone defence)
Transition from defence to attack
Complex tactical variations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains defensive stance for extended periods

Successfully forces turnovers through positioning

Coordinates team defence effectively

Key Teaching Points

Slide defence requires low stance with bent knees and wide base for stability
Positioning between opponent and target is more important than speed
Defensive success is measured by delay and pressure, not just ball theft
Team communication is essential for effective defensive tactics
Different game situations require different defensive approaches and priorities
Reading opponent's body language helps anticipate movement and improve positioning
Patience in defence leads to better interception opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking defence is only about stealing the ball - correct by emphasising positioning and delay
Believing faster movement always beats good positioning - demonstrate how position trumps speed
Assuming all defenders should follow the ball - teach about goal protection and role assignments
Thinking defensive stance slows you down - show how proper stance enables quicker reactions
Believing defence is less important than attack - emphasise how good defence creates scoring opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific role assignments

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra demonstration time, partner support, focus on successful positioning over complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedules of lesson progression, quiet zones available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on display, hand signals for communication, visual cues for game starts/stops

physical disability

Seated versions of defensive movements, modified positioning requirements, adapted equipment size, alternative ways to show defensive understanding

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between cones, calculating angles of defensive positioning, timing durations of activities

Science

Understanding forces and friction in sliding movements, physics of ball movement and interception

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, leadership development, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, position centrally during games for maximum oversight

Observation Focus

Watch for correct slide defence technique, defensive positioning, and team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if contact becomes inappropriate, technique needs correction, or tactical understanding needs clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show slide defence, demonstrate both correct and incorrect positioning for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low and wide!'
•'Position over speed!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Read their body, not the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area for warm-up and multiple 10m x 10m game areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and sliding movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during sliding movements and game play
•Slips during defensive movements, especially on smooth surfaces
•Contact during ball interception attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups and game areas
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Emphasis on controlled contact and fair play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor closely during game applications for contact levels
•Watch for fatigue affecting movement quality and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, and contact additional support if required