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Lesson 3 - Goal-Side Marking

Attacking & Defensive Mastery

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can defenders use intelligent positioning and communication to prevent attackers from scoring goals?

Learning Objectives

To identify which players need to be marked to prevent attacks
To use speed and agility to maintain effective defensive positioning
To consistently apply goal-side marking techniques in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to identify priority attacking threats and mark appropriately
Students will maintain goal-side positioning while tracking attacking players throughout a game
Students will communicate effectively with teammates to coordinate defensive strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson, ensure appropriate size for each student

Alternative: None - essential for hockey

Hockey balls

1 per student for warm-up, 2-3 for main games

Use regulation hockey balls for authentic experience

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor

Cones

20-30

Use to mark pitch boundaries, goals, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers

Goals

4 (2 per game)

Position goals appropriate distance apart for skill level

Alternative: Cone goals, target areas marked with cones

Bibs

15 (one colour)

Clearly distinguish teams for tactical understanding

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands

Key Vocabulary

Goal-side marking

Positioning yourself between the attacking player and the goal to prevent them from having a clear shot or path to goal

Defensive positioning

The strategic placement of defenders to minimise attacking opportunities and protect the goal

Tracking

Following the movement of an attacking player while maintaining appropriate defensive position

Priority marking

Identifying and marking the most dangerous attacking player in any given situation

Jab tackle

A one-handed defensive technique to dispossess an attacker while maintaining distance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and ball control
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Knowledge of hockey pitch layout and basic rules

Current Skills

Goal-side marking technique and positioning
Communication skills for defensive coordination
Reading the game to identify threats

Next Steps

Advanced team defensive systems
Pressing and defensive transitions
Complex marking in set piece situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistently maintains position between attacker and goal

Makes appropriate decisions about when to engage or hold position

Communicates clearly with teammates during defensive phases

Key Teaching Points

Goal-side marking means always staying between the attacker and the goal
Defenders should keep both the attacker and the ball in their vision
Communication between defenders is essential for effective team defending
Choose to mark the most dangerous attacking player in any situation
Maintain appropriate distance - close enough to pressure, far enough to react
Use jab tackles to maintain distance while attempting to win the ball
Team defending requires every player to take responsibility for their area

Common Misconceptions

Thinking marking means staying right next to an attacker - correct positioning maintains space for reaction
Believing you should always chase the ball - priority is marking your designated player
Assuming goal-side marking only matters near the goal - positioning principles apply across the pitch
Thinking defending is only about winning the ball - delay and channeling are equally important
Believing communication isn't necessary if you can see the play - teammates have different perspectives

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent feedback, use movement breaks between instructions

dyspraxia

Simplify marking requirements initially, provide extra practice time, use visual cues for positioning

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structure, use visual schedule for lesson progression, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, assign buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt marking positions to seated or supported standing, modify movement requirements, use larger goals

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Geometry through understanding angles and positioning, measuring distances for marking, calculating time and space relationships

Science

Forces and motion in changing direction, friction between stick and ball, energy transfer during tackles

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of field positions, direction and orientation skills, understanding of area and territory

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when defending under pressure, responsibility for team success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of playing area for maximum visibility of all students, move to support individual groups as needed

Observation Focus

Watch for correct goal-side positioning, effective communication between defenders, and safe stick handling

Intervention Points

Step in when students are not maintaining goal-side position, when communication breaks down, or when safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating positioning, involve students in demonstrations to aid understanding, repeat key demos multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Goal-side!' to remind about positioning
•'Talk to your team!' to encourage communication
•'Between player and goal!' for positioning reminder
•'Which attacker is most dangerous?' to develop tactical thinking

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full hockey pitch (60m x 40m minimum) or adapted size based on available space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from potholes, debris, or other hazards that could cause injury

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges before use
•Ensure balls are regulation size and not damaged
•Verify goals are stable and properly secured
•Confirm bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-related injuries from improper handling or contact
•Collisions between players during fast-paced game play
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce strict stick safety rules - no lifting above waist height
•Establish clear boundaries and maintain adequate spacing
•Progress skill development gradually from static to dynamic
•Implement no-contact rule and enforce consistently
•Monitor intensity and provide appropriate rest periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during activities
•Pay special attention during transition periods
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure proper equipment use throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed