KS4 · Physical education · Year 11
Blocks and defensive techniques
Health and wellbeing: martial arts and self-defence
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can guard and block effectively to defend against attacks.
1 of 10
Blocks and defensive techniques: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can guard and block effectively to defend against attacks.
Key learning points
- Move: using the bony part of the forearm to block attacks ensures a stronger defence.
- Move: blocking with small, controlled movements allows quick reactions to attackers movements.
- Think: returning quickly to a guard position after each block keeps your defence ready.
- Feel: practising controlled and safe blocking and striking techniques develops and demonstrates respect.
- Connect: working cooperatively and communicating clearly with partners ensures safe and effective practice.
Words to know
- guard
- a defensive stance to protect yourself
- block
- a movement used to deflect or stop an attack
- strike
- a deliberate attack using a part of the body or an object to hit a target area, such as the head, body or legs
Common mistakes
Pupils often drop their guard after blocking leaving their head and body exposed.
Focus on returning to the guard stance after every block and continue to prompt pupils throughout the lesson.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Emphasise the importance of control for the attackers when using the pool noodles. Accurate strikes are important to allow the blockers to practice blocking effectively. For anxious students, focus on blocking single strikes and provide verbal cues before striking.