Lesson 3 - Goal-Side Marking
Attacking & Defensive Mastery
•Year 6
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Check all sticks for damage before lesson, ensure appropriate size for each student
Alternative: None - essential for hockey
Use regulation hockey balls for authentic experience
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor
Use to mark pitch boundaries, goals, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers
Position goals appropriate distance apart for skill level
Alternative: Cone goals, target areas marked with cones
Clearly distinguish teams for tactical understanding
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bands
Key Vocabulary
Positioning yourself between the attacking player and the goal to prevent them from having a clear shot or path to goal
The strategic placement of defenders to minimise attacking opportunities and protect the goal
Following the movement of an attacking player while maintaining appropriate defensive position
Identifying and marking the most dangerous attacking player in any given situation
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
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