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Lesson 5 - Defending Tactics and Application

Advanced Competitive Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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1h 8min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for each student

Alternative: Foam sticks for safety, shortened sticks for smaller students

Hockey balls

6-8 balls

Have spare balls ready for quick restarts

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Goals

4 goals (2 per pitch)

Secure goals safely, check for stability

Alternative: Cone goals, bench goals

Cones

20 cones

Mark pitch boundaries, centre lines, and semicircle areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Distribute to identify teams clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defending system where each defender is responsible for marking one specific opponent

Defending tactics

Organised team strategies used to prevent opponents from scoring

Pressure

Closing down the player with the ball to limit their options

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Defensive shape

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

Can explain role within team defending system

Demonstrates consistent marking and tackling

Shows tactical awareness during transitions

Communicates effectively with teammates

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