Lesson 5 - Defending Tactics and Application
Advanced Competitive Tactics
•Year 6
•Hockey
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How can we create and apply effective defending tactics to deny attacking opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate understanding of defending tactics and apply them effectively in game situations
- To create and implement team defending strategies that prevent attacking opportunities
- To demonstrate effective marking, tackling and defensive positioning skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply refined defending tactics in competitive game situations
- Students will switch fluidly between attacking and defending as possession changes
- Students will demonstrate effective marking and tackling skills consistently
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for each student
Alternative: Foam sticks for safety, shortened sticks for smaller students
Have spare balls ready for quick restarts
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners
Secure goals safely, check for stability
Alternative: Cone goals, bench goals
Mark pitch boundaries, centre lines, and semicircle areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Distribute to identify teams clearly
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A defending system where each defender is responsible for marking one specific opponent
Organised team strategies used to prevent opponents from scoring
Closing down the player with the ball to limit their options
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
The organised positioning of defending players to protect their goal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey skills - dribbling, passing, shooting
- Understanding of attacking tactics
- Individual defending skills - marking and tackling
- Basic game rules and positions
Current Skills
- Creating team defending tactics
- Applying man-to-man marking systems
- Switching between attack and defence
- Effective defensive communication
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical variations
- Zone defending systems
- Set piece defending
- Tournament play with tactical analysis
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Man-to-man marking requires each defender to take responsibility for one specific opponent
- Effective defending is about positioning and pressure, not just tackling
- Team defending requires constant communication and maintaining defensive shape
- Quick transition from attack to defence is crucial when possession is lost
- Applying pressure at the right moment forces attackers into making mistakes
- Supporting teammates in defending situations creates stronger overall defence
- Understanding roles within defensive systems prevents confusion and gaps
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking defending is only about tackling - explain that positioning and pressure are equally important
- Believing individual defending is sufficient - emphasise team defensive systems and support
- Assuming all defenders should chase the ball - teach about maintaining defensive shape
- Thinking defending is less important than attacking - celebrate good defending equally
- Believing defending tactics are too complex for Year 6 - show how simple systems can be very effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent position changes, immediate feedback on tactical application
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extended practice time, clear step-by-step instructions, additional demonstration
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual tactical boards, quiet zones for breaks, structured role definitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance, clear audio cues
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for tactics, written instructions on boards, clear line of sight to teacher demonstrations
physical disability
- Modified stick lengths, seated positions for tactical discussions, adapted roles such as tactical advisor
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Geometry - understanding angles, shapes and spatial relationships in defensive formations, calculating distances and areas
Science
Forces - understanding how pressure and resistance work in defending, physics of ball movement and interception
Geography
Mapping and positioning - understanding spatial awareness, coordinates and strategic positioning on a field
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation - working together towards common goals, communication skills, leadership and responsibility
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between teams and activities to provide feedback and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical understanding, defending skill application, and team cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in when tactics break down, safety is compromised, or teams need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing tactics. Include students in demonstrations to increase understanding
Verbal Cues
- •'Find your player!'
- •'Hold your shape!'
- •'Talk to each other!'
- •'Pressure the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for two hockey pitches, clear of obstacles with safe run-off areas
Surface Check
Flat, even surface free from holes, debris or standing water that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure goals are stable and securely positioned
- •Balls should be appropriate weight and in good condition
- •Bibs clean and in good repair
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick-to-stick contact during tackling
- •High balls causing head/face injuries
- •Collisions between players during fast-paced games
- •Trips and falls on uneven surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise safe stick handling throughout lesson
- •Maintain clear pitch boundaries to prevent collisions
- •Regular reminders about controlled contact only
- •Adequate spacing between different game areas
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Move between games to monitor safety and technique
- •Watch for fatigue which can lead to poor decision making
- •Monitor for any unsafe stick work or aggressive play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if required