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Lesson 3 - Defensive Tactics & Marking

Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we use different marking systems to prevent opponents from scoring in handball?

Learning Objectives

Understand and apply man-to-man marking in defensive situations
Demonstrate effective zonal marking techniques to protect goal areas
Apply pressure and positioning to regain possession of the ball

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply both man-to-man and zonal marking systems
Students will demonstrate immediate transition from attack to defence
Students will show understanding of tactical roles within defensive systems

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

3 goals

Distributed around court perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for grip practice

Bibs

15 (one set per team)

Easy identification of teams and referees

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands

Cones

20-30

Mark court boundaries and goal areas clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Whistles

3-4

For student referees and teacher

Alternative: Hand signals, voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive system where each defender is assigned to mark a specific opponent throughout the game

Zonal marking

A defensive system where defenders are responsible for protecting specific areas rather than specific players

Pressure

Getting close to the player with the ball to limit their time and space to make decisions

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Coverage

Providing defensive support behind teammates to intercept passes or shots

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball rules and ball handling skills
Understanding of attack vs defence roles
Simple marking and positioning concepts

Current Skills

Man-to-man marking techniques
Zonal marking systems
Immediate transition from attack to defence
Applying pressure to force turnovers

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies and formations
Counter-attacking from defensive positions
Complex team defensive systems

Milestone Indicators

Instant reaction when possession is lost

Coordinated team defensive movement

Successful prevention of shooting opportunities

Key Teaching Points

Immediate transition from attack to defence is crucial for team success
Different marking systems suit different team strengths and opponent weaknesses
Communication between defenders is essential for system effectiveness
Pressure on the ball carrier prevents easy passing and shooting opportunities
Defensive positioning should prioritise protecting goal area while maintaining system integrity
Team evaluation and tactical adjustment improve defensive performance throughout games
Good defending creates opportunities for counter-attacking and possession recovery

Common Misconceptions

Students think man-to-man marking means following one player everywhere - clarify that defensive positioning must still prioritise goal protection
Students believe zonal marking means standing still in one spot - explain that zones require active movement and adjustment
Students assume defending only happens when the other team has the ball - emphasise immediate transition when possession is lost
Students think applying pressure means making physical contact - reinforce that good pressure comes from positioning and presence
Students believe one marking system is always better - help them understand situational advantages of each system

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with frequent role changes, provide clear visual boundaries, offer leadership responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns initially, use larger zones for easier navigation, provide extra practice time for technique development

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual diagrams of defensive systems, use consistent routines for team changes, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and balls, provide verbal descriptions of zones and positions, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written tactical instructions, use vibrant visual cues for system changes

physical disability

Modify to seated defensive positions where appropriate, adjust marking distances, focus on tactical understanding over physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for defensive positioning, measuring distances for marking zones, analysing statistics of successful defensive actions

Science

Understanding forces and movement in defensive positioning, learning about body systems during high-intensity defending, studying reaction times

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning concepts, understanding of zones and territories, mapping player movements

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, supporting teammates under pressure, showing resilience when defending is challenging

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe different groups, position at court corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for defensive transitions, marking technique, and team communication quality

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when students struggle with tactical concepts, or when games become unbalanced

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, demonstrate key positions clearly, show both marking systems side by side for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Defend now!' when possession changes
•'Stay close!' for marking technique
•'Talk to your team!' for communication
•'Pressure the ball!' when opponents have possession

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles, with additional space around courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Goals properly secured and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during quick defensive movements
•Falls from sudden direction changes
•Contact between players during marking

Risk Mitigation

•Clear no-contact rules established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emergency stop signal established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor intensity levels and player fatigue
•Watch for illegal contact during marking phases

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required