Lesson 6 - Sharks and Fishes Game
Fair Play: Sharks & Fishes
•Reception
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we work together as a team to attack and defend in games?
Learning Objectives
- Apply understanding of attacking (fish) and defending (sharks) in competitive games
- Demonstrate teamwork and cooperation when attacking and defending
- Follow game rules and understand consequences of breaking them
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully apply attacking and defending strategies in the Sharks and Fishes game
- Students will demonstrate fair play and good sportsmanship throughout the lesson
- Students will understand the importance of rules and teamwork in games
Equipment & Resources Required
One colour for each team of 5 players
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts
8 cones for inner square (fish tank), 8 for outer square (ocean)
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, playground markings
Each fish starts with one tag, sharks return after catching
Alternative: Small hoops, coloured cards, bands
Visible to all teams for score tracking
Alternative: Paper and pen, ground markings
Key Vocabulary
When fishes try to score points by staying safe in their area
When sharks work together to prevent fishes from scoring by catching them
A gentle touch to show a fish has been caught by a shark
Working together with friends to achieve the same goal
Playing honestly and following the rules even when no one is watching
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic movement skills - running, dodging, stopping
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Simple following of instructions and rules
Current Skills
- Applying attacking and defending concepts in game situations
- Working cooperatively in teams
- Understanding consequences of actions in games
Next Steps
- More complex attacking and defending strategies
- Leadership roles in team games
- Creating own game rules and variations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise gentle contact only - demonstrate appropriate tagging technique
- Focus on teamwork over individual success - sharks must work together
- Use spatial awareness - fish should spread out, not bunch together
- Celebrate good sportsmanship more than winning
- Ensure all students understand attacking means staying safe, defending means preventing points
- Build excitement while maintaining safety and fair play
- Connect movements to real sea creatures for engagement and understanding
Common Misconceptions
- Fish thinking they score by catching sharks - clarify fish score by staying uncaught
- Believing only winning team did well - emphasise effort and improvement for all
- Thinking rough contact is acceptable - consistently reinforce gentle tagging rules
- Assuming attacking means being aggressive - explain attacking as strategic survival
- Not understanding team roles - regularly remind of cooperation requirements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback, simple one-step instructions
dyspraxia
- Slower movement speeds allowed, larger playing areas, simplified tagging rules, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, consistent routines, quiet retreat space if needed, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of playing areas, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for game start/stop, written rule cards, clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Adapted movement options - rolling ball instead of running, larger target areas, modified tagging rules, wheelchair-accessible spaces
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points and game attempts, understanding team sizes of 5, basic addition of scores
Science
Understanding movement and forces - how direction changes help escape, why teamwork is effective
Geography
Spatial awareness and understanding of areas, boundaries, and positions relative to others
PSHE
Teamwork, cooperation, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, following rules
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of playing area for optimal view of both fish tank and ocean areas. Move around perimeter during games.
Observation Focus
Watch for appropriate contact during tagging, teamwork development, and understanding of attacking/defending concepts.
Intervention Points
Step in if contact becomes inappropriate, if students become upset, or if rules are not being followed fairly.
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating. Always model gentle contact and positive sportsmanship.
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle tags only - like patting a pet!'
- •'Fish, spread out and use all your space!'
- •'Sharks, work together as a team!'
- •'Remember, we're all friends having fun!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m area with clear boundaries. Inner area 8m x 8m, outer area 15m x 15m minimum.
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from hazards. Check for wet spots, obstacles, or debris.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges exposed
- •Tags/bean bags checked for wear and damage
- •Bibs properly fitted to avoid tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between fast-moving students
- •Inappropriate contact during tagging
- •Overcrowding in fish tank area
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and enforced
- •Gentle contact rules emphasised and monitored
- •Adequate space provided for movement
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of both playing areas
- •Monitor tagging contact throughout games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and rule adherence
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess and provide appropriate first aid. Have clear evacuation route planned.