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Lesson 4 - Defending Skills and Communication

Tactical Mastery & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

How can defensive communication and positioning help a team maintain possession and create attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective defensive communication and positioning skills
To understand and apply defensive tactics that slow down attackers without overcommitting
To link defensive skills into fluid sequences of movement during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective defensive communication with teammates
Students will show controlled defensive positioning that forces attackers into disadvantageous positions
Students will link defensive skills into sequences during competitive game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 6 students (5-6 balls)

Place balls centrally in each practice area for quick access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for better control, futsal balls for increased touch sensitivity

Coloured Bibs

15-20 bibs in 3-4 different colours

Organised by colour for quick team identification during rotations

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or team shirts

Cones

24-30 cones

Mix of colours for clear area definition and target marking

Alternative: Markers, spots, or corner flags

Goals

4-6 portable goals or target areas

Positioned to create multiple playing areas

Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on walls, or target zones

Key Vocabulary

Defensive pressure

Applying controlled pressure on attackers to limit their options without committing to a tackle

Overcommitting

Moving too aggressively towards an attacker, making it easy for them to get past you

Curved run

Running in an arc to approach from an angle rather than straight at the target

Anticipation

Reading the game to predict what will happen next before it occurs

Defensive communication

Clear verbal and non-verbal signals between defenders to coordinate their actions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic defensive stance and positioning
Simple tackling techniques
Understanding of space and movement in football

Current Skills

Advanced defensive communication and coordination
Strategic positioning to force attackers into desired areas
Linking defensive skills into fluid sequences

Next Steps

Team defensive systems and pressing
Advanced tactical understanding
Leadership in defensive organisation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent communication during defensive phases

Successful forcing of attackers into less dangerous areas

Smooth transitions between defensive actions

Key Teaching Points

Defensive pressure should slow attackers down without overcommitting to challenges
Communication between defenders is essential for effective coordination and coverage
Curved approach runs are more effective than straight-line pressure for limiting attacker options
Anticipation involves reading body language and positioning to predict opponent actions
Linking defensive skills means smooth transitions between different defensive actions
Patience in defensive pressure is more effective than rushing into challenges
Team defensive work requires constant communication and mutual support

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that aggressive, immediate pressure is always best - correct with patient, controlled pressure techniques
Believing individual defending is more important than team coordination - emphasise communication and partnership
Assuming straight-line approaches are fastest - demonstrate effectiveness of curved runs for limiting options
Thinking communication is only needed when problems arise - show constant communication as normal practice
Believing overcommitting shows commitment - teach that staying balanced shows better defensive understanding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback and positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for skill development, simplified movement patterns initially, use of visual cues for positioning

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use buddy system for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures for communication, provide written instruction cards, use vibrant visual demonstrations

physical disability

Adapt to seated or modified movement versions, use larger balls for easier handling, adjust area sizes for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of approach runs, calculating optimal positioning, measuring distances for effective pressure application

Science

Forces in football movement, reaction times in defensive responses, physics of ball movement and interception

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of area coverage, directional communication and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership in defensive organisation, resilience when defending under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corners of playing areas for maximum visibility of all groups, rotate between areas during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of defensive communication, timing of pressure application, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in if communication breaks down, if defensive pressure becomes too aggressive, or if tactical understanding is unclear

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show correct and incorrect techniques, involve students in demonstrations to model good practice

Verbal Cues

•'Curve your run, don't chase straight!'
•'Talk to your partner - what do you see?'
•'Patient pressure - stay on your feet!'
•'Read their eyes - where are they looking?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m per playing area with 3m safety zones between areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, holes, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify goal posts are stable and securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during competitive activities
•Fatigue leading to reduced coordination
•Aggressive challenging during defensive pressure activities
•Trips and falls during rapid direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate safety zones
•Progressive skill building before competitive application
•Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
•Emphasis on controlled pressure rather than aggressive tackling
•Adequate warm-up and skill preparation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor closely during competitive games for over-aggressive play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting decision-making
•Ensure equal participation and inclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and follow school accident procedures