Defending and the concept of marking
I can follow the movements of the attacker and stay close in order to mark them and force an error when defending.
Defending and the concept of marking
I can follow the movements of the attacker and stay close in order to mark them and force an error when defending.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: marking successfully requires us to follow the movements of the attacker and stay close without making contact.
- Move: staying close to an attacker and reacting to their movements increases a defender’s chances of forcing an error.
- Think: concentrating on the movements of the attacker and staying close helps us mark effectively and force an error.
- Feel: continuing to follow the attacker as we mark them leads to success and shows the self motivation to succeed.
- Connect: respecting the player we are marking and not making contact demonstrates a commitment to playing by the rules.
Keywords
Mark - staying close to an opponent to try to stop them from getting the ball or scoring
Defending - trying to prevent the opposition from scoring when not in possession
Error - a mistake or something that goes wrong
Common misconception
Pupils mark the same pupil, leaving attackers open in space. Pupils swarm around and only mark the player with the ball.
Encourage pupils to communicate and ensure everyone is responsible for a different player. Remind pupils of the rule concerning marking. This rule is in place to enable the pupil in possession to look up and make effective passing decisions.
To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Defending and the concept of marking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Defending and the concept of marking, 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+ floor markers, 1 ball between 7, 30 tag belts and tags
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
