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Lesson 4 - Defending Strategies and Jockeying

Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy

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Year 6

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

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

Coloured Bibs

20 (multiple colours)

Distributed for team identification and activity markers

Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured tops

Softballs

8-10

Placed at each activity station

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 balls for easier handling

Basketball

4-6

At basketball activity station

Alternative: Playground balls of similar size

Hockey sticks

12-16

Safe sticks appropriate for year group

Alternative: Unihoc sticks for safety

Hockey balls

4-6

Softer balls to reduce injury risk

Alternative: Foam or plastic balls for safety

Cones

20-30

Mark boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Dome markers or chalk lines

Sun Markers

Centre points for circle activities

Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

A defensive technique where you stay between the attacker and goal, moving backwards and sideways to delay their progress

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to track and mark a specific opponent

Zonal defence

A defensive strategy where defenders are responsible for a specific area rather than a specific player

Low press

A defensive strategy where the team defends deeper, closer to their own goal

Covering

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

Maintains proper defensive body position consistently

Communicates effectively with teammates during play

Chooses appropriate defensive strategy for situation

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