Lesson 3 - Defensive Tactics & Marking
Tactical Progression
•Year 6
•Handball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for grip practice
Easy identification of teams and referees
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands
Mark court boundaries and goal areas clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
For student referees and teacher
Alternative: Hand signals, voice commands
Key Vocabulary
A defensive system where each defender is assigned to mark a specific opponent throughout the game
A defensive system where defenders are responsible for protecting specific areas rather than specific players
Getting close to the player with the ball to limit their time and space to make decisions
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
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
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