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Lesson 1 - Understanding Principles of Attack

Strategic Thinking: Treasure Games

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

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

Dish Cones

15-20

Spread randomly across playing area to represent defenders

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk marks

Coloured Bibs

For identifying real defenders in progression activities

Alternative: Bandanas or coloured armbands

Sun Markers

8-12 cones

Define clear playing area boundaries

Alternative: Rope or painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Attacking

When we try to score or win in a game by moving forward

Defending

When we try to stop the other team from scoring

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being caught or tagged

Space

Empty areas on the playing field where there are no defenders

Consequences

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

Consistent space awareness when moving

Natural dodging responses to defenders

Clear understanding of attack vs defence roles

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