KS2 · Physical education · Year 4
Defending to stop the opposition's attack
Invasion games: maintaining possession and stopping an attack through basketball
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can defend (mark) effectively in a game situation to prevent the opposition from creating attacking opportunities.
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Defending to stop the opposition's attack: 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 defend (mark) effectively in a game situation to prevent the opposition from creating attacking opportunities.
Key learning points
- Move: marking involves being close to the attacker and staying positioned between the player and the ball.
- Move: defending well requires us to mark opponents by standing tall with arms ready to move up or out to stop a pass.
- Think: it’s important to evaluate and improve our marking technique to reduce scoring opportunities for our opponents.
- Feel: when trying to defend and win the ball back, it is important to play within the rules and show self-discipline.
- Connect: taking responsibility to ensure all our teammates are marking an opponent demonstrates excellent leadership.
Words to know
- defender
- the player or person responsible for preventing the opposition (attackers) from scoring
- 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
Common mistakes
When defending in a game situation, pupils tend to follow the ball which closes up the space and leaves other players unmarked.
Remind pupils that they need to stay close to the player they are marking and be prepared to intercept the ball when it is passed to their opponent.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Encourage defending players to adopt a low stance with their knees slightly bent and feet shoulder width apart. This will allow for quicker movement and better balance.