Lesson 5 - Defensive Tactics and Marking
Individual Skills & Tactics
•Year 9
•Floorball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can smart defensive positioning and teamwork prevent goals more effectively than individual defending?
Learning Objectives
- To perform effective man-to-man marking using correct body positioning and distance
- To implement zone defence principles with appropriate communication and coverage
- To apply previously learnt skills (dribbling, passing, shooting) within defensive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent man-to-man marking technique maintaining appropriate distance
- Students will show understanding of zone defence through correct positioning and communication
- Students will successfully apply attacking skills while under defensive pressure
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick length appropriate for each student - should reach between chest and chin when standing upright
Alternative: Hockey sticks, modified sticks for different heights
Distribute around court perimeter for quick ball retrieval
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, weighted balls for skill development
Position goals at court ends and create smaller goals for practice games
Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on wall
Clear colour distinction for team identification during games
Alternative: Different coloured shirts, bandanas
Use to mark zones, boundaries, and positioning markers
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to closely guard a specific attacking player
A defensive strategy where players defend specific areas of the playing field rather than individual opponents
Following an opponent's movements closely while maintaining defensive positioning
Applying immediate pressure to force the opponent into making quick decisions or errors
Preventing an opponent from receiving the ball by positioning between them and the ball
Being in the optimal place on the court relative to the ball, opponents, and goal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick handling and ball control techniques
- Fundamental passing and receiving skills
- Understanding of basic game rules and spatial awareness
- Experience with small-sided games and basic positioning
Current Skills
- Man-to-man marking technique and body positioning
- Zone defence principles and communication
- Defensive pressure and ball recovery techniques
- Transitioning between attack and defence
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive systems (pressing and counter-pressing)
- Defensive set pieces and restarts
- Advanced zone defence variations
- Tactical analysis and game reading skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Goal-side positioning is the foundation of all effective defending - always be between the attacker and the goal
- Communication is the key to successful team defence - loud, clear calls help organise the entire defensive unit
- Patience in defending is crucial - rushing in often creates opportunities for attackers to exploit
- Zone defence requires discipline - stay in your area and trust teammates to cover theirs
- Man-to-man marking distance should allow reaction time while preventing easy passes
- Quick transition from attack to defence mindset determines success in competitive situations
- Defensive pressure should influence decisions without making contact - use positioning and stick presence
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Good defence means getting the ball back immediately' - Correction: 'Good defence often means preventing scoring opportunities and forcing mistakes'
- Misconception: 'Zone defence means standing still in your area' - Correction: 'Zone defence requires active movement to cover space and support teammates'
- Misconception: 'Aggressive defending means getting close and physical' - Correction: 'Aggressive defending means smart positioning and mental pressure'
- Misconception: 'Man-to-man marking means following everywhere' - Correction: 'Man-to-man marking means intelligent positioning relative to goal and ball'
- Misconception: 'Communication in defence is just shouting' - Correction: 'Effective communication gives specific, helpful information to teammates'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear success criteria, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified defensive positioning initially, additional practice time for coordination, use of visual markers for positioning
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules showing lesson progression, defined safe zones available, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured bibs for team identification, clear verbal descriptions of zone boundaries, buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for defensive systems, written zone maps available, clear demonstrations with visual cues
physical disability
- Adapted marking distances for wheelchair users, modified roles such as tactical advisor, seated defensive positions where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in defensive movements, reaction time and reflexes, biomechanics of efficient defensive positioning
Geography
Spatial awareness and zone coverage, mapping defensive formations, understanding of area and territory concepts
Mathematics
Angles of approach and defensive positioning, measuring distances for marking, calculating success rates of different defensive strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defensive units, communication under pressure, resilience when defending under attack
Psychology
Decision-making under pressure, reading opponent intentions, maintaining concentration during defensive duties
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position at corner for maximum court visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive positioning, communication between players, and appropriate aggression levels
Intervention Points
["Step in immediately if contact occurs between players", "Intervene if defensive pressure becomes too aggressive", "Support struggling students with additional coaching", "Celebrate and highlight excellent defensive examples"]
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students as positive examples when possible. Exaggerate key teaching points for visibility.
Verbal Cues
- •'Goal-side position!' for positioning reminders
- •'Talk to your teammates!' to encourage communication
- •'Stay patient!' when defenders rush in too early
- •'Perfect distance!' when marking space is correct
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum full sports hall (30m x 20m) or outdoor court, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from water, debris, or equipment. Non-slip surface essential for quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all sticks for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Verify goals are stable and properly assembled
- •Confirm all cones are visible and not cracked
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players during marking
- •Collisions during quick direction changes
- •Slips and falls during defensive movements
- •Ball strikes during close defensive pressure
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear 'no contact' rules emphasised throughout
- •Adequate spacing maintained between working groups
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular safety reminders during activities
- •Proper warm-up to prepare muscles for dynamic movement
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Ensure rule compliance during competitive activities
Emergency Procedures
STOP signal established, clear evacuation route identified, first aid kit accessible, school injury procedures followed