Lesson 1 - Understanding Principles of Attack
Strategic Thinking: Treasure Games
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can we move cleverly to avoid defenders and succeed in attacking games?
Learning Objectives
- Understand what 'attacking' means in games and sport
- Learn to move into spaces to avoid defenders
- Develop basic dodging and evasion skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will explain what attacking means and give examples
- Students will demonstrate dodging skills to avoid defenders
- Students will understand why avoiding defenders helps in games
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread randomly across playing area to represent defenders
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk marks
For identifying real defenders in progression activities
Alternative: Bandanas or coloured armbands
Define clear playing area boundaries
Alternative: Rope or painted lines
Key Vocabulary
When we try to score or win in a game by moving forward
When we try to stop the other team from scoring
Moving quickly to avoid being caught or tagged
Empty areas on the playing field where there are no defenders
What happens as a result of our actions in the game
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and moving skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple rule following in games
Current Skills
- Dodging and evasion techniques
- Understanding attacking principles
- Moving into space awareness
Next Steps
- More complex dodging patterns
- Working as a team in attack
- Understanding defensive principles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Attacking means trying to score or win in games and sports
- Good attackers look for spaces away from defenders
- Changing direction and speed helps avoid being caught
- Teamwork is important - help teammates when they're caught
- Safe, gentle contact only when tagging
- Following rules makes games fair and fun for everyone
- Practice makes our dodging skills better
Common Misconceptions
- Attacking means being aggressive or mean - correct this by explaining attacking is about scoring/winning
- Defenders are the enemy - explain defenders are just playing their role in the game
- Faster is always better - teach that control and direction changes are more important
- Only worry about yourself - emphasise teamwork and helping caught teammates
- Rules don't matter if no one sees - reinforce honesty and fair play values
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, simple instructions given one at a time, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, larger markers for easier avoidance, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent routines, extra time for transitions between activities
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of layout, assign sighted buddy for support, use tactile markers
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and gestures, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written instructions on cards, use bright bibs for clear identification
physical disability
- Seated versions using upper body movements, modified tagging rules, wheelchair accessible spacing, adapted rescue techniques using gentle touches
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting defender points, spatial awareness and geometry through movement patterns, understanding greater than/less than when comparing scores
Science
Understanding forces when changing direction, balance and centre of gravity, heart rate changes during exercise
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around the space
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, helping others, following rules, managing emotions during competitive activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all students clearly, usually at corners of the playing area during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for space awareness, safe movement, rule following, and engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if students are not following safety rules, seem confused about tasks, or need additional support
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate skills clearly before activities, use exaggerated movements so all can see, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Look for spaces!'
- •'Change direction!'
- •'Help your teammates!'
- •'Gentle touches only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check markers are flat and secure
- •Ensure bibs are clean and properly fastened
- •Remove any damaged equipment
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students
- •Trips over markers
- •Over-excited play leading to rough contact
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and rules established before activity
- •Gentle contact only rule enforced consistently
- •Adult supervision positioned for maximum visibility
- •Regular breaks to reinforce safe play expectations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at corner of area for full view
- •Move around to observe different interactions
- •Intervene immediately if play becomes unsafe
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, complete incident forms if required