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
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we make smart decisions when attacking to score more points?

Learning Objectives

  • To consolidate students' understanding of when, where and why to attack in games
  • To develop decision-making skills in competitive situations
  • To apply simple attacking strategies consistently

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate understanding of attacking roles through strategic gameplay
  • Students will make informed decisions about when to attack from different sources
  • Students will show improvement in movement skills while avoiding defenders

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
30-40 (mixed colours if available)

Place in centre circle with high-value items clearly marked

Alternative: Small cones, foam blocks, or tennis balls

Hoops
1 per student (30)

Positioned 3 metres from centre, evenly spaced around perimeter

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked squares

Cones
8-10 for boundaries

Mark clear playing area boundaries and safety zones

Alternative: Chalk lines or existing playground markings

Coloured Bibs
5 different colours (6 of each)

For easy group identification during rotations

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identification cards

Whistles
1

For clear start/stop commands and rule reminders

Alternative: Bell or drum for signals

Key Vocabulary

Attack

Moving forward to score points or collect objects

Strategy

A plan for how to play the game to be successful

Consequence

What happens when we break the rules

Defender

Someone who tries to protect their treasure from attackers

Treasure

The objects we are trying to collect to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Basic understanding of attacking concepts
  • Ability to move safely in shared space
  • Knowledge of simple game rules

Current Skills

  • Strategic decision-making in attacking situations
  • Adapting movement to avoid defenders
  • Understanding consequences of rule-breaking

Next Steps

  • Introduction to defensive strategies
  • Team-based attacking and defending
  • More complex game scenarios

Milestone Indicators

1
Students consistently choose appropriate attacking moments
2
Movement becomes more fluid and purposeful
3
Strategic thinking becomes evident in gameplay

Key Teaching Points

  • Attacking means making smart decisions about when and where to collect objects
  • Strategy involves thinking ahead and adapting to different situations
  • Rules create fairness and consequences help everyone enjoy the game
  • Movement should be controlled and safe while still being purposeful
  • Good attackers observe their opponents and adapt their approach
  • Success comes from thinking as well as moving
  • Fair play and respect make competition enjoyable for everyone

Common Misconceptions

  • Attacking is just about being fastest - actually requires strategic thinking
  • There's only one right strategy - multiple approaches can be successful
  • Rules are just restrictions - they create fair and fun gameplay
  • Taking from others is mean - it's a legitimate strategic choice in this game
  • Winning is everything - learning and improvement are more important
  • You can't change strategy during play - adaptation shows advanced thinking

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter game rounds with frequent breaks, clear physical boundaries, regular positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
  • Simplified movement patterns, larger target areas, extra practice time for rule understanding
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of lesson stages, quiet area available if needed, consistent rules and structure
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured treasure items, verbal descriptions of layout, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual signals for start/stop, clear hand gestures for rules, written rule reminders
physical disability
  • Adapted movement patterns (rolling balls instead of running), modified distances, seated participation options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting treasure items, calculating points totals, comparing scores between rounds

Science

Understanding cause and effect in strategic decisions, observation and hypothesis testing

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of position and movement in relation to others

PSHE

Decision-making skills, coping with competition, showing respect for others and rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move dynamically between game areas to observe all groups while maintaining overview of safety

Observation Focus

Watch for strategic decision-making, safe movement patterns, and positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, rule violations, or if students need strategic guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show both attacking options and consequences for rule-breaking

Verbal Cues
  • 'Think before you move!'
  • 'What's your strategy?'
  • 'Great decision-making!'
  • 'Remember - only one treasure!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear area for multiple game setups

Surface Check

Flat, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check beanbags are securely sewn with no loose contents
  • Ensure hoops lie flat and have no sharp edges
  • Verify boundary cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during excited gameplay
  • Trips and falls when changing direction quickly
  • Disputes over treasure collection
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries between game areas to prevent interference
  • Emphasis on controlled movement rather than pure speed
  • Strong rule enforcement prevents disputes
  • Teacher positioning for maximum supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all groups simultaneously
  • Move between games to maintain proximity
  • Watch for rule following and fair play
Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, and review safety if needed