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Lesson 4 - Defensive Positioning and Movement

Foundational Skills & Development

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Year 8

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can mastering defensive footwork and positioning give your team the advantage in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in defensive movements
Apply defensive positioning principles in game situations
Understand and explain the differences between zonal and man-to-man defending

Key Outcomes

Students will execute proper defensive stance and slide steps with control
Students will successfully apply defensive strategies in small-sided games
Students will articulate the tactical differences between defensive systems

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Store in equipment bag, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 balls for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners

Cones

22.5 assorted colours

Use for marking zones, boundaries, and compass points

Alternative: Spot markers, agility discs

Team bibs

15 each of two colours

Separate into two clear team colours for games

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies

Whistles

For stopping play and giving signals

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Defensive stance

Low, balanced body position with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and hands ready

Slide step

Lateral movement technique where feet never cross, maintaining defensive balance

Zig zag defence

Defensive technique to force offensive player towards sideline or out of bounds

Man-to-man defence

Defensive system where each defender is responsible for guarding one specific opponent

Zonal defence

Defensive system where players guard specific areas of the court rather than individual opponents

Double team

Two defenders working together to pressure one offensive player

Posting up

Defensive positioning to prevent opponent from receiving the ball in advantageous position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of basic basketball rules and court layout
Fundamental movement patterns and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Defensive stance and footwork techniques
Lateral movement and slide stepping
Defensive positioning and court awareness
Understanding defensive systems and strategies

Next Steps

Advanced defensive rotations and help defence
Full-court defensive strategies
Reading offensive patterns and anticipation
Integration of offensive and defensive transitions

Milestone Indicators

Maintains low defensive stance throughout activity

Executes slide steps without crossing feet

Demonstrates court awareness and positioning

Communicates effectively with teammates during defence

Key Teaching Points

Defensive stance is foundation - low, balanced, ready to react
Slide steps never cross feet - step and slide technique
Head up awareness essential for court vision and safety
Communication is key to team defensive success
Controlled defensive pressure prevents fouls
Positioning more important than trying to steal ball
Practice defensive skills at game pace for transfer

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Good defence means always trying to steal the ball' - Correction: Focus on positioning and pressure first, steal opportunities second
Misconception: 'Crossing feet is faster for movement' - Correction: Slide steps maintain balance and readiness to change direction
Misconception: 'Looking at the ball helps anticipate player movement' - Correction: Watch player's midsection for true movement direction
Misconception: 'Reaching for ball is good aggressive defence' - Correction: Reaching leads to fouls and being off-balance
Misconception: 'Individual defence is most important' - Correction: Team defensive communication and help defence crucial

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback and praise, movement-based learning opportunities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, larger equipment options, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual activity schedules, quiet zones available, predictable activity transitions, break cards available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation, audio cues for activities

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, visual cues for game situations, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated or modified defensive positions, adapted equipment sizes, modified court dimensions, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces and motion in basketball movement, physics of ball bouncing and trajectories, body systems during exercise and fatigue

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and compass points, mapping movement patterns around court

Mathematics

Calculating angles for defensive positioning, measuring court dimensions, counting passes and scores, understanding geometric shapes in court layout

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in challenging situations, communication skills, leadership development, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of court for visibility of all students, move between groups during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive stance, slide step technique, communication between players, and safe contact levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students showing poor technique, unsafe contact, or need additional challenge/support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low, stay ready!'
•'Slide don't cross!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Head up, see the court!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum full basketball court or equivalent (28m x 15m), clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, appropriate for basketball footwear

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size
•Check whistle is working and audible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during defensive movements
•Contact during defensive practice
•Fatigue from high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing established for all activities
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced
•Emphasis on controlled contact in defensive practice
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Appropriate differentiation for ability levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas like compass point activity
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required