Lesson 4 - Defensive Strategies Overview
Strategy: Individual to Team
•Year 6
•Basketball
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How can we use different defensive strategies to limit our opponents' scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop understanding of man-to-man and zone defence strategies
- To apply defensive positioning to limit opposition opportunities
- To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in defensive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently apply both defensive strategies in game situations
- Students will understand the benefits and limitations of each defensive approach
- Students will show improved defensive positioning and movement
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls for younger students
Used to mark zones, boundaries, and target areas
Alternative: Playground chalk for marking, sports markers
Teacher holds for traffic light signals
Alternative: Coloured cards, traffic light signs
To distinguish attacking and defending teams
Alternative: Different coloured PE tops, team bands
Key Vocabulary
A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for guarding a specific opponent
A defensive strategy where defenders are responsible for guarding specific areas of the court
A balanced stance allowing a player to pass, dribble, or shoot effectively
Strategic placement of defenders to limit attacking opportunities
How defenders spread out to protect different areas of the playing space
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
- Understanding of attacking principles
- Experience with simple defensive movements
Current Skills
- Man-to-man defensive marking
- Zone defence positioning
- Defensive communication and coordination
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies and switches
- Full court defensive systems
- Integration with fast break opportunities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Man-to-man defence means each defender guards one specific opponent
- Zone defence means defenders protect specific areas of the court
- Good defensive stance: low position, quick feet, arms wide
- Communication between defenders is essential for success
- Stay between attacker and their target to be effective
- Both defensive strategies have advantages in different situations
- Practice and experience help players choose the best defensive approach
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking zone defence means standing still - defenders must still be active and mobile within their zones
- Believing man-to-man means staying touching distance from opponent - appropriate defensive distance is key
- Assuming one defensive strategy is always better - both have situational advantages
- Thinking defence is only about individual skills - teamwork and communication are crucial
- Believing defence is less important than attack - good defence creates scoring opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones and balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of defensive positions, hand signals for strategies, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated or modified defensive positions, larger target areas, adapted equipment if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Geometry - angles and positioning, measurement of distances, timing and counting passes
Science
Forces and motion in defensive movements, balance and centre of gravity, reaction times
Geography
Spatial awareness and area coverage, mapping court positions and zones
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, leadership roles, resilience when defending under pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activities for maximum visibility, position at corners during games
Observation Focus
Watch for defensive positioning, communication between players, safety in movement
Intervention Points
Step in when students show confusion about defensive strategies, when contact occurs, when poor technique develops
Demonstration Notes
Use students as models when possible, exaggerate key positions for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay between player and target!'
- •'Talk to your partner!'
- •'Quick feet, low position!'
- •'Make them go where you want!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Half basketball court minimum (15m x 14m), clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate court markings
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Bibs/bands in good repair and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Falls from quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes from poor passing or catching
- •Overexertion during game activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe spacing between activities
- •No physical contact rule strictly enforced
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular breaks and role changes to prevent fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue and overexertion
- •Ensure no physical contact during defensive practice
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed