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Lesson 3 - Consolidating Defending Skills

Tactics to Competition

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we become defensive masters who shut down attacking opportunities before they develop?

Learning Objectives

Refine knowledge and understanding of man-to-man marking principles
Apply defensive pressure to prevent attacking opportunities
Understand terminology and tactics relating to defending in basketball

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply man-to-man marking in game situations
Students will demonstrate effective defensive positioning and pressure
Students will understand when and why to defend in basketball

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs if basketballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

2-4 depending on court setup

Positioned at opposite ends of playing area

Alternative: Tall cones with hoops, target players holding hoops above head

Coloured Bibs

15 (two different colours)

Stored in mesh bag for quick distribution

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands around arms

Dish Cones

Mark court boundaries and areas for different activities

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines on court

Stopwatch

Teacher carries for timing activities and four-second rule

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to guard a specific opponent

Defensive pressure

Using body position and movement to make it difficult for attackers to pass or shoot

Transition

The quick change from attack to defence when possession is lost

Marking off the ball

Defending players who don't currently have possession but could receive a pass

Four-second rule

A defender wins possession if they prevent the attacker from passing for 4 seconds

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball ball handling and passing
Understanding of attacking principles
Simple defensive positioning

Current Skills

Man-to-man marking techniques
Defensive pressure application
Transition from attack to defence

Next Steps

Zone defending strategies
Advanced interception techniques
Team defensive systems

Milestone Indicators

Maintains close proximity to assigned opponent

Forces attacking errors through pressure

Communicates effectively with defensive teammates

Key Teaching Points

Man-to-man marking requires each defender to take responsibility for one specific opponent
Defensive stance: knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms out for balance
Apply pressure to ball carrier while positioning to intercept passes
Four-second rule creates urgency and forces attacking mistakes
Communication between defenders is essential for team success
Transition from attack to defence must be immediate when possession is lost
Celebrate defensive successes to build positive attitudes toward defending

Common Misconceptions

Thinking defending is less important than attacking - emphasise defending wins games
Believing you should watch the ball constantly - teach to watch opponent's body
Assuming bigger/stronger players are automatically better defenders - technique beats size
Thinking defending means just standing near an opponent - active pressure is required
Believing one defender can stop all attackers - teamwork is essential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Slower movement speeds, simplified instructions, extra practice time, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structures, visual schedules for activity progression, quiet zones available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written strategy cards

physical disability

Seated defending variations, modified movement patterns, adapted equipment sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting four-second rule, measuring marking distances, angles of defensive positioning

Science

Forces in defending - push and pull, reaction time, balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Court positioning, spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when defending, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter for optimal viewing of all groups, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive stance, marking distance, and team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with marking concepts or if unsafe defending occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect examples

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low, stay close!'
•'Watch their chest, not the ball!'
•'Apply pressure, force the mistake!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half basketball court minimum (15m x 14m), full court preferred for game applications

Surface Check

Non-slip court surface, free from water or debris, appropriate footwear worn

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs correctly inflated to avoid injury
•Hoops securely mounted with no sharp edges
•Cones have rounded edges and stable bases

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during defensive movement
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity defending

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Emphasis on no-contact defending
•Regular hydration breaks provided
•Progressive intensity building

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum court visibility
•Monitor defensive contact levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure safe area for treatment