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Lesson 6 - Defensive Skills & Tactics

Advanced Techniques & Tactics

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Year 6

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can defenders use positioning and timing to control the game without diving into tackles?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective jockeying and tracking techniques in defensive situations
To understand when to tackle versus when to delay and contain attackers
To apply defensive tactics in small-sided games with tactical awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled jockeying technique with appropriate body position
Students will make tactical decisions about when to tackle versus when to contain
Students will work as a defensive unit to limit attacking options and win possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for goals, boundaries, and turning points

Alternative: Markers, spot discs, or small objects for boundaries

Softballs

10 (1 per pair plus spares)

Distribute around area perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 4 balls for easier control, tennis balls for skill work

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

Moving backwards slowly while facing an attacker to delay them and limit their options

Tracking

Following an attacker's movement to stay between them and the goal

Closing down

Moving quickly towards an attacker to reduce the time and space they have

Body position

Positioning your body sideways-on to the attacker to react to movement in either direction

Channeling

Using your position to force an attacker to move in a specific direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control and dribbling skills
Understanding of space and positioning
Experience with small-sided games
Basic rules of football

Current Skills

Jockeying and tracking technique
Defensive decision-making
Tactical positioning
Team defensive coordination

Next Steps

Advanced defensive systems and formations
Transition from defence to attack
Set piece defending
Goalkeeping skills

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance while moving backwards

Forces attackers wide or backwards

Times tackles appropriately

Communicates with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Jockeying technique requires low body position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet
Smart defenders think before they tackle - contain first, win ball when opportunity is clear
Defensive positioning should force attackers wide and away from dangerous central areas
Team defending requires communication and coordination between all players
Fair play and honest self-management are essential for enjoyable and educational games
Decision-making under pressure is a skill that improves with practice and reflection
Defensive tactics should be simple enough to execute under game pressure

Common Misconceptions

Defenders must always try to win the ball immediately - actually delaying can be more effective
Tackling is the most important defensive skill - positioning and jockeying are often more valuable
Good defenders are naturally aggressive - smart defenders use controlled, patient approach
Defending is just about stopping attacks - good defending creates opportunities for counter-attacks
Individual defending is sufficient - team defending requires coordinated effort and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, provide frequent feedback, assign specific roles in team activities, ensure clear boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, provide extra demonstration time, use larger equipment for easier handling, focus on understanding before speed

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for each activity, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, break complex instructions into smaller steps

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance during movement

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face

physical disability

Adapt jockeying to seated position in wheelchair, modify distances for limited mobility, focus on tactical understanding rather than physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for defensive positioning, calculating angles for forcing attackers wide, timing and speed calculations

Science

Forces and motion in tackling, balance and centre of gravity in jockeying, reaction times and decision-making

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction and movement patterns, mapping defensive zones

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership in defensive organisation, resilience when under attacking pressure, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during demonstrations, circulate during games for maximum supervision

Observation Focus

Watch for correct jockeying technique, defensive decision-making quality, team communication, and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when students diving in for tackles excessively, if defensive techniques are unsafe, or when team tactics become too complex

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for jockeying technique, contrast good and poor defending, involve students in demonstrating successful tactics

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low, stay balanced!'
•'Jockey first, tackle smart!'
•'Force them wide, not through the middle!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full activities, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated to avoid unpredictable bounces
•Ensure cones are visible and securely placed to prevent trips
•Count all equipment before and after lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities and games
•Falls during backward jockeying movement
•Contact during tackling attempts
•Overexertion during intense game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on controlled jockeying rather than rushed movement
•Progressive skill building before applying in game situations
•Regular hydration breaks during intense activities
•Clear rules about appropriate contact and tackling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during practice activities
•Circulate actively during 3v3 games to monitor contact
•Watch for fatigue during extended game play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any collision or fall, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required