Lesson 4 - Defensive Tactics and Strategies
Tactical Progression
•Year 6
•Handball
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How can we work as a team to prevent our opponents from scoring goals?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply man-to-man marking in game situations
- To demonstrate effective zonal marking strategies
- To apply defensive pressure to regain possession of the ball
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective defensive positioning and marking techniques
- Students will understand when to apply different defensive strategies
- Students will work collaboratively to prevent attacking opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 1 footballs, foam balls for reduced impact
Positioned at opposite ends of playing area
Alternative: Cone goals, wall targets marked with tape
Mark court boundaries and goal areas clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, existing court markings
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, team bands
For timing 3-second rule violations
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, wall clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking a specific opponent
A defensive strategy where defenders mark areas of the court rather than specific players
Applying close marking to make it difficult for attackers to pass or shoot
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
When the defending team regains possession of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing and catching techniques
- Understanding of attacking movements and positioning
- Knowledge of basic handball rules and court boundaries
Current Skills
- Applying defensive pressure and marking techniques
- Understanding different defensive strategies
- Transitioning between attack and defence roles
Next Steps
- Advanced team defensive formations
- Counter-attacking strategies from defensive positions
- Tournament play applying all skills learned
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain close marking distance - within arm's length of opponent
- Communicate defensive assignments loudly and clearly throughout games
- Apply immediate pressure to any player receiving the ball
- React instantly when possession changes - every player becomes a defender
- Force attackers to hold the ball for more than 3 seconds to gain possession
- Support teammates who are struggling with their defensive assignments
- Adapt defensive strategy based on what the attacking team is doing
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking defending means standing still and waiting for the ball to come to you
- Believing only some players need to defend when possession is lost
- Assuming physical contact is allowed to stop attackers
- Thinking one defensive strategy works in all situations
- Believing defending is less important than attacking in handball
- Assuming good defenders don't need to communicate with teammates
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break practice into shorter segments, provide clear immediate feedback, use physical movement to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra practice time for positioning, use verbal reminders for spatial awareness
autism spectrum
- Provide clear tactical role cards, maintain consistent team positions, offer quiet reflection time
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for tactics, provide written tactical instructions, utilise hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Adapt marking distances as appropriate, allow seated defending positions, modify movement requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating scores and statistics, measuring distances for effective marking, timing 3-second violations accurately
Science
Understanding forces and motion in defensive movements, analysing body positioning for optimal performance
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding zones and territories, mapping team formations
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when defending under pressure, leadership in organising team tactics
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice groups during skills development, position on sideline during games for clear view of both teams
Observation Focus
Watch for effective marking distance, team communication, and tactical application under pressure
Intervention Points
Step in if rules are being broken, physical contact occurs, or students appear confused about tactical roles
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for tactical demonstrations, ensure all students can see key teaching points, repeat demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay close to your opponent!'
- •'Communicate your defensive assignments!'
- •'Apply pressure to the ball carrier!'
- •'Work as a team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full sports hall or equivalent outdoor space minimum 40m x 20m for two courts
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from debris or water hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure goal posts are stable and properly secured
- •Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during defensive movements
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Ball strikes to face or body during interceptions
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise no physical contact rules throughout lesson
- •Maintain adequate spacing between practice groups
- •Progressive build-up from walking pace to full game speed
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during practice scenarios
- •Monitor game intensity and intervene if play becomes too physical
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional medical support if required