Attacking and defending in small sided games
I can use and apply my understanding of attacking and defending as part of a team in order to outwit the opposition in games.
Attacking and defending in small sided games
I can use and apply my understanding of attacking and defending as part of a team in order to outwit the opposition in games.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: moving quickly to space and passing accurately enables us to keep possession, creating shooting chances.
- Move: when defending, being close and following the attackers' movements enables us to successfully mark the opposition.
- Think: knowing the difference between attacking and defending demonstrates a strong understanding of the game.
- Feel: striving to apply our best throughout the game, even if our team is losing, requires the determination to succeed.
- Connect: collaborating with our team and the opposition demonstrates respect and supports everyone to enjoy the game.
Keywords
Defending - trying to prevent the opposition from scoring when not in possession
Attacking - trying to score points against the opposition when in possession
Opposition - the other team that we are playing against and trying to beat
Common misconception
Pupils get frustrated if they aren't winning. Pupils panic and rush decisions around passing and shooting, focusing more on the competition.
Award points for pupils and teams that show respect and apply determination throughout. Encourage pupils to take their time and consider the options before passing or shooting so they don't lose possession.
To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Attacking and defending in small sided games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Attacking and defending in small sided games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: principles of attack and defence through ball games unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
30+ cones, 1 ball per group of 8
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
