Lesson 6 - Defensive Skills & Tactics
Advanced Techniques & Tactics
•Year 6
•Football
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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
Used for goals, boundaries, and turning points
Alternative: Markers, spot discs, or small objects for boundaries
Distribute around area perimeter before lesson starts
Alternative: Size 4 balls for easier control, tennis balls for skill work
Key Vocabulary
Moving backwards slowly while facing an attacker to delay them and limit their options
Following an attacker's movement to stay between them and the goal
Moving quickly towards an attacker to reduce the time and space they have
Positioning your body sideways-on to the attacker to react to movement in either direction
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
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