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New
New
Year 6

Defensive tactics in games

I can create, apply and adapt tactics in order to prevent the opposition from executing successful attacks, resulting in winning possession back.

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New
New
Year 6

Defensive tactics in games

I can create, apply and adapt tactics in order to prevent the opposition from executing successful attacks, resulting in winning possession back.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: moving quickly on our toes, exploding at the right time consistently, increases the success of defensive tactics.
  2. Think: applying different defensive tactics into the games requires decision making.
  3. Think: deciding how to adapt and modify defensive tactics, depending on the situation in the game, is vital for success.
  4. Feel: trying a range of tactics demonstrates self-motivation and a commitment to wanting to improve our performance.
  5. Connect: showing respect to our team and the opposition throughout games ensures fair play, enabling the game to flow.

Keywords

  • Defending - trying to stop the other team from scoring or getting ahead

  • Adapt - to change or adjust to fit a new situation

  • Tactics - plans you create and use to try to win or succeed

Common misconception

Pupils rush when discussing their tactics as they just want to play the game. Not all pupils get to contribute to the team discussions.

Praise and celebrate teams who discuss their tactics thoroughly, ensuring everyone contributes and that everyone understands.


To help you plan your year 6 physical education lesson on: Defensive tactics in games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Award fair play points to encourage the full application of the rules and strong collaboration and respect.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

additional materials, 3 balls, 6 goals/targets, 30+ cones, bibs

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Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

4 Questions

Q1.
What do we call a plan we create and use to try to win or succeed?
Correct answer: a tactic
a map
a competition
Q2.
What is the purpose of an attacking tactic?
to defend
to mark
Correct answer: to score
Q3.
Which skill do we need to help lead us to success in a game?
self-doubt
Correct answer: self-motivation
self-importance
Q4.
Why should we explain the tactics to teammates who need our support?
so everyone dominates
Correct answer: so everyone understands
so everyone misunderstands

4 Questions

Q1.
When we lose possession, we move quickly towards a player on the opposite team, getting into position to ...
attack.
Correct answer: mark.
score.
Q2.
What does self-motivation enable us to be?
respectful
defensive
Correct answer: successful
Q3.
What is the purpose of a defensive tactic?
Correct answer: to prevent an attack
to help an attack
to score
Q4.
If the opposition keeps scoring, what might we need to do to our defensive tactic?
Keep it.
Give it up.
Correct answer: Adapt it.

Additional material

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