Lesson 4 - Defending Strategies and Jockeying
Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy
•Year 6
•Invasion Games
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How can we work together as a team to make defending more effective than individual efforts?
Learning Objectives
- To develop one-on-one defending skills through jockeying techniques
- To understand and apply different defensive strategies including man-to-man marking and zonal defence
- To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork when defending as a unit
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to defend one-on-one using proper jockeying technique
- Students will work effectively alongside teammates when defending
- Students will understand when to apply different defensive strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed for team identification and activity markers
Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured tops
Placed at each activity station
Alternative: Size 3 or 4 balls for easier handling
At basketball activity station
Alternative: Playground balls of similar size
Safe sticks appropriate for year group
Alternative: Unihoc sticks for safety
Softer balls to reduce injury risk
Alternative: Foam or plastic balls for safety
Mark boundaries and activity areas
Alternative: Dome markers or chalk lines
Centre points for circle activities
Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique where you stay between the attacker and goal, moving backwards and sideways to delay their progress
A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to track and mark a specific opponent
A defensive strategy where defenders are responsible for a specific area rather than a specific player
A defensive strategy where the team defends deeper, closer to their own goal
Supporting a teammate who is defending by positioning behind them to help if needed
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of invasion game concepts
- Experience with simple attacking and defending scenarios
- Knowledge of fair play and safety in games
Current Skills
- One-on-one defending through jockeying
- Team defensive communication
- Applying defensive strategies in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive tactics including pressing and covering
- Transition from defence to attack
- Leadership roles in organising team defence
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Jockeying technique requires side-on body position with bent knees and balance on balls of feet
- Communication is essential for effective team defending and should be constant throughout defensive play
- Patience in defending prevents rushing into tackles and allows time for teammates to provide support
- Shepherding attackers away from goal is more effective than attempting immediate possession
- Defending skills transfer across different sports with adaptations for equipment and rules
- Working alongside teammates in defence creates stronger defensive units than individual efforts
- Body positioning and movement are more important than speed or strength in effective defending
Common Misconceptions
- Defending means immediately trying to win the ball - actually, slowing down the attacker is often more effective
- Good defenders are always the fastest players - actually, positioning and technique are more important than speed
- Defending is only about individual skills - actually, communication and teamwork are crucial for effective defence
- Jockeying means standing still - actually, it requires constant adjustment and movement while maintaining position
- The same defending technique works in all sports - actually, each sport requires adaptations while maintaining core principles
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks built in, clear boundaries and structure, immediate feedback and praise, variety through station rotation
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier control, clear step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routine throughout lesson, quiet space available if needed, predictable rotation system
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, written instructions displayed, hand signals for communication, vibrating whistle for stops
physical disability
- Modified jockeying from seated position, adapted equipment for easier handling, adjusted distances and speeds, inclusive role options
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles in jockeying position, spatial awareness and positioning, timing and measurement during rotations, data collection on successful defending attempts
Science
Forces and motion in defending movements, balance and centre of gravity in jockeying, reaction times in defensive situations, physics of ball movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of zones and territories, directional vocabulary, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defence, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and supporting others, fair play and respect
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between stations to provide feedback, position for clear visibility of all groups, central gathering point for whole-group instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for correct jockeying technique, effective communication between defenders, transfer of skills between sports, safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide individual technique correction, manage competitive intensity, support struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples, exaggerate technique for clarity, maintain focus on key teaching points, provide immediate correction of dangerous practice
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on position!'
- •'Bend those knees!'
- •'Stay patient!'
- •'Communicate with your teammate!'
- •'Guide them away from goal!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for three stations plus central gathering space
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Hockey sticks checked for damage and appropriate length
- •Balls inflated correctly and no damaged equipment
- •Cones stable and placed away from high-activity areas
- •Bibs securely attached but easily removable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during competitive games
- •Hockey stick contact with students or faces
- •Trips from equipment left in playing areas
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between stations
- •Hockey stick safety rules enforced throughout
- •Equipment collected immediately when not in use
- •Regular hydration breaks and intensity monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all three stations
- •Pay particular attention to hockey station for stick safety
- •Monitor competitive games for overly aggressive play
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear pathway to medical assistance, emergency contact readily available