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Lesson 2 - Defensive Positioning

Team Strategy & Coordination

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per 4-5 students (6-8 balls)

Distributed at activity stations

Alternative: Size 4 balls for better control

Cones

30-40 cones

For creating gates, boundaries and pitch markings

Alternative: Markers or flat cones

Bibs

12.5 bibs

To distinguish attackers from defenders

Alternative: Different coloured shirts

Goals

4-6 goals

Various sizes for different point values

Alternative: Cone gates or wall targets

Key Vocabulary

Deny space

Positioning yourself to prevent attackers from moving into dangerous areas

Restrict space

Forcing attackers into smaller, less threatening areas of the pitch

Channel

Working as a defensive pair to guide attackers in a specific direction

Defensive pressure

Applying pressure on attackers without committing to a tackle

Ready position

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

Consistent defensive positioning

Effective communication between defenders

Successful space restriction leading to interceptions

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