Lesson 2 - Defensive Positioning
Team Strategy & Coordination
•Year 6
•Football
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How can defenders work together to deny space and force attackers into less dangerous areas?
Learning Objectives
- Collaborate with a partner to restrict an opponent's space by defending together
- Apply defensive principles to deny attackers from moving into dangerous space
- Use positioning and communication to channel attackers away from goal
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective partner defending techniques
- Students will show understanding of space denial and restriction principles
- Students will communicate effectively to coordinate defensive movements
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed at activity stations
Alternative: Size 4 balls for better control
For creating gates, boundaries and pitch markings
Alternative: Markers or flat cones
To distinguish attackers from defenders
Alternative: Different coloured shirts
Various sizes for different point values
Alternative: Cone gates or wall targets
Key Vocabulary
Positioning yourself to prevent attackers from moving into dangerous areas
Forcing attackers into smaller, less threatening areas of the pitch
Working as a defensive pair to guide attackers in a specific direction
Applying pressure on attackers without committing to a tackle
Balanced stance allowing quick movement in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and passing
- Understanding of attacking principles
- Knowledge of football pitch markings
Current Skills
- Partner defending and communication
- Space denial and restriction techniques
- Defensive positioning and channelling
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive tactics including pressing
- Defending against multiple attackers
- Transitioning from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive ready position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet
- Positioning between attacker and goal to deny dangerous space
- Communication between defensive partners for coordinated movement
- Using body position to channel attackers away from central areas
- Maintaining pressure without committing to tackles
- Working as a defensive unit rather than individual defenders
- Applying defensive principles consistently in game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Believing that winning the ball is always better than good positioning - correct by emphasising position over tackling
- Thinking that defenders should spread out widely - teach that staying close enables better communication
- Assuming that being aggressive means being effective - show how controlled defending is more successful
- Believing that defending is negative play - emphasise how good defending creates attacking opportunities
- Thinking that individual defending is sufficient - demonstrate the power of partnership defending
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use high levels of positive reinforcement for good defensive positioning
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for defensive movements, use simplified positioning initially, provide additional demonstrations and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual cards showing defensive positions, allow quiet spaces for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal instructions for positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals for defensive movements, ensure written instructions for key concepts
physical disability
- Adapt to seated defending where appropriate, modify ready position to suit individual needs, focus on tactical understanding over physical execution
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Estimating distances for defensive positioning, calculating angles for channelling attackers, measuring 5m spaces for partner coordination
Science
Understanding forces in defensive movements, balance and centre of gravity in ready position, reaction times in defensive situations
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and angles, mapping defensive areas and zones
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defensive partnerships, communication skills, resilience when defending under pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of area to observe all groups and intervene when necessary
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive body shape, effective communication between partners, and safe controlled movements
Intervention Points
Step in when students attempt to tackle instead of positioning, when communication breaks down, or when safety rules are ignored
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate defensive body shape for visibility, show clear communication between defensive partners, emphasise controlled movements over speed
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
- •'Stay between attacker and goal!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
- •'No tackling - positioning only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for dynamic movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are properly inflated
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Goals securely positioned if using permanent fixtures
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during defending
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
- •Ball strikes from close range
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear no-tackling rule enforced throughout
- •Adequate spacing between activity groups
- •Progressive skill building from individual to game application
- •Emphasis on controlled defensive movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity game situations closely
- •Intervene if competitive intensity becomes unsafe
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed