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Lesson 4 - Defensive Strategies Overview

Strategy: Individual to Team

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Year 6

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per pair (15 balls)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls for younger students

Cones

20-30 cones

Used to mark zones, boundaries, and target areas

Alternative: Playground chalk for marking, sports markers

Beanbags

3 different colours (red, amber, green)

Teacher holds for traffic light signals

Alternative: Coloured cards, traffic light signs

Bibs

15 (half class)

To distinguish attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Different coloured PE tops, team bands

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man defence

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for guarding a specific opponent

Zone defence

A defensive strategy where defenders are responsible for guarding specific areas of the court

Triple threat position

A balanced stance allowing a player to pass, dribble, or shoot effectively

Defensive positioning

Strategic placement of defenders to limit attacking opportunities

Court coverage

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

Maintains defensive position for extended periods

Makes quick decisions between defence types

Communicates effectively with defensive partners

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