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Lesson 5 - Goalkeeping & Defence Skills

Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy

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Year 6

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Invasion Games

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can effective communication and positioning make a team harder to score against?

Learning Objectives

Develop advanced goalkeeping techniques including coming off the line and angle narrowing
Apply defensive communication strategies including 'passing on' attackers
Demonstrate leadership skills through communication and setting positive examples

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully narrow angles as goalkeepers and communicate with defenders
Students will demonstrate effective 'passing on' of attackers between defenders
Students will show clear leadership through verbal communication and positive body language

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

Place around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands

Soft Dodgeballs

Keep separate from footballs for activity transition

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags

Coloured Bibs

30 (5 different colours)

Organised by colour for quick team allocation

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Posts

6 sets

Positioned 20m apart across the space

Alternative: Cones and poles, marked walls

Cones

Mark 20m distances and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots

Stopwatch

For timing rotations and game periods

Alternative: Phone timer, whistle intervals

Key Vocabulary

Angle narrowing

Moving forward to reduce the target area available to the attacker

Passing on

Communicating to transfer defensive responsibility for an attacker to another defender

Coming off the line

Goalkeeper advancing from goal line towards attacker to pressure them

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding and inspiring teammates through communication and example

Numerical advantage

Having more players than the opposition in an area or situation

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic goalkeeping positioning and shot stopping
Understanding of defensive positioning in invasion games
Experience working in teams and following instructions

Current Skills

Advanced angle narrowing and coming off the line
Defensive communication and 'passing on' strategies
Leadership through communication and example setting

Next Steps

Complex team defensive systems and formations
Advanced tactical awareness and game reading
Mentoring and coaching leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

Consistently reduces shooting angles through positioning

Clearly communicates defensive responsibilities to teammates

Takes initiative in organising team strategies

Key Teaching Points

Leadership emerges through positive communication and encouragement, not just being the loudest voice
Angle narrowing in goalkeeping requires timing - advance when attacker takes first touch, not before
Effective 'passing on' needs clear verbal calls combined with visual signals between defenders
6v4 situations require different tactics - more players need quick passing, fewer players need tight organisation
Communication must be loud enough and clear enough for teammates to hear during active play
Good defensive shape is more important than individual defending when outnumbered
Leadership includes setting positive examples through actions as well as organising through words

Common Misconceptions

Leadership means being bossy or critical - actually requires positive encouragement and clear guidance
Goalkeepers should always stay on their line - coming forward reduces shooting angles significantly
Defenders should all go for the ball - maintaining shape and passing on attackers is more effective
Having more players automatically means winning - requires good movement and passing to exploit advantage
Communication only matters when things go wrong - continuous organisation prevents problems before they occur

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, leadership roles that channel energy positively, regular movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for skill development, provide step-by-step instruction breakdowns, use larger equipment for better control, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet leadership roles, use visual schedules for activity transitions, maintain predictable organisation

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance during activities

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures alongside verbal communication, provide written instruction cards, demonstrate all communication techniques visually

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair or seated participation, modify goal sizes and distances as appropriate, ensure equal opportunities for leadership roles

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Understanding angles and geometry through goalkeeping positioning, measuring distances for optimal defensive spacing

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times in defensive situations, impact of positioning on physics of shooting

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding zones and territorial concepts in defensive strategy

PSHE

Leadership skills development, teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience and persistence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practice. Position at corners during games for maximum visibility of multiple activities

Observation Focus

Look for communication quality, tactical understanding, and positive leadership behaviours rather than just technical skill execution

Intervention Points

Step in to reinforce positive communication examples, redirect negative behaviours, and ensure safety during contact situations

Demonstration Notes

Use students who demonstrate good communication as models. Emphasise process over outcome - praise good decision making even if unsuccessful

Verbal Cues

•'Louder communication - your teammates need to hear you!'
•'Show me leadership through encouragement, not criticism!'
•'Remember angle narrowing - step forward to reduce the target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor space minimum 40m x 30m for multiple group activities and games

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from obstacles. Check for any goal post stability and boundary hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Check goal posts are stable and securely positioned
•Verify soft sponge handballs are appropriate consistency
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Goalkeeper-attacker collisions during angle narrowing practice
•Contact between players during competitive 6v4 games
•Tripping over equipment or boundary markers
•Overexertion during high-intensity game periods

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Progressive skill building from demonstration to practice to game application
•Emphasis on controlled practice rather than full-power shots
•Regular rotation to prevent fatigue affecting safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during skill practice
•Monitor high-activity game areas for appropriate contact levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting decision making and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle. Assess any injuries with appropriate first aid response. Clear space for emergency access if required.