Denying space and defending
I can deny my opponents space and understand how to defend in order to prevent attacking opportunities.
Denying space and defending
I can deny my opponents space and understand how to defend in order to prevent attacking opportunities.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: to block tackle safely, we need a low body position, with the stick on the ground making contact with the ball.
- Move: staying close and marking will either force an error or enable us to make a tackle and take the ball.
- Think: we block the attackers to stop them passing or shooting and must always be in the front position, not behind.
- Feel: when defending, it is important to be a good role model and play within the rules showing self discipline.
- Connect: communication skills are required to ensure all our teammates are marking the right player.
Keywords
Opponent - a person who is on an opposing side in a game
Marking - closely guarding our opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or from passing the ball to others
Tackle - using the hockey stick to block the ball and disrupt the opponent's dribble, pass or shot.
Common misconception
When defending and marking, pupils focus too much on the ball instead of watching their opponent.
Encourage pupils to always be aware of the player they are marking by constantly checking where they are. Discourage pupils chasing after the ball when their teamate is closer to it.
To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Denying space and defending, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Denying space and defending, 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: shooting, scoring and denying space through hockey unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
1 hockey stick per pupil, 1 suitable ball between 2, 30+cones, bibs
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
