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Lesson 6 - Defensive Strategies Overview

Invasion Play Fundamentals

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Year 8

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Flag Football

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1h 4min

Big Question

How can we use different defensive strategies to stop the opposition from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Apply defensive skills effectively in different game situations
Work collaboratively to implement man-to-man and zonal defensive strategies
Evaluate and adapt defensive positioning during gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of man-to-man and zonal defence systems
Students will apply appropriate defensive strategies in game situations
Students will evaluate their defensive performance and identify areas for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

6-8 balls

Distribute around playing area for quick access

Alternative: Rugby balls or American footballs

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all belts have 2 secure flags before activity

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts

Cones

20-30 cones

Used for marking zones, boundaries, and scrimmage lines

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Digital Cameras

1 (optional)

Position for clear view of defensive strategies in action

Alternative: Tablet or smartphone

Coloured Bibs

15 of each colour

To distinguish teams clearly during gameplay

Alternative: Different coloured flags

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man defence

A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to mark a specific offensive player

Zonal defence

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for a specific area of the field

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or advancing

Intercept

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for an opponent

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where the play begins, separating offensive and defensive teams

Defensive strategy

The overall plan used by the defending team to prevent scoring

Wide running backs

Offensive players positioned towards the sidelines to receive passes

Tactical talks

Brief team discussions between plays to adjust strategy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic flag football rules and gameplay
Individual defensive skills like tagging
Understanding of attacking strategies
Basic spatial awareness and positioning

Current Skills

Man-to-man defensive marking
Zonal defensive positioning
Team defensive communication
Tactical decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations
Combination defensive strategies
Reading and countering offensive plays
Leadership in defensive organisation

Milestone Indicators

Stays with assigned player/zone consistently

Communicates effectively with defensive teammates

Makes successful interceptions or tags

Adapts positioning based on play development

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise the difference between man-to-man and zonal defensive systems
Focus on defensive positioning - staying between opponent and goal
Promote constant communication between defensive teammates
Teach reading the hips for true direction changes
Develop anticipation skills for interceptions
Stress importance of staying in assigned zones for zonal defence
Encourage tactical flexibility and adaptation during gameplay

Common Misconceptions

That defenders should always watch the ball instead of their assigned player - correct by teaching player-first focus
That faster players always make better defenders - correct by emphasising positioning and anticipation over speed
That zonal defence means standing still - correct by showing active zone coverage and movement
That communication disrupts concentration - correct by demonstrating how talking helps team defence
That defensive success is only about preventing scores - correct by recognising good positioning and effort

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Simplified defensive movements initially, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions, supportive partner pairings

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for activities, defined roles and responsibilities, quiet zones available for breaks, predictable routine structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured flags and cones, verbal cues for defensive positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for zones

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of defensive systems, hand signals for communication, written tactical instructions, visual zone markers

physical disability

Adapted defensive roles such as tactical coordinator, modified movement requirements, wheelchair-accessible playing areas, adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating field dimensions, angles of defensive coverage, statistics from game performance, geometric understanding of zones

Science

Understanding forces in movement, reaction times in defence, physics of ball trajectory and interception

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping defensive zones, understanding of field positioning and territorial concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership in defensive organisation, resilience when defending under pressure, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of playing area for visibility of all defensive practices and game situations

Observation Focus

Watch for defensive positioning, communication between teammates, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with defensive concepts, unsafe contact, or team communication breakdown

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated movements to show defensive positioning and use students as examples for tactical explanations

Verbal Cues

•'Stay with your player!'
•'Protect your zone!'
•'Watch the hips, not the feet!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m clear playing area with additional space for sideline activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, holes, or debris that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are secure and flags properly attached
•Ensure footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify cones are stable and visible with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced gameplay
•Trips and falls during directional changes
•Overexertion during extended game play
•Aggressive contact during flag pulling

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Emphasis on controlled contact and flag pulling only
•Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
•Progressive skill building before full-speed application

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all defensive practice groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during game application
•Be alert for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

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