This unit introduces Year 1 students to the fundamental concepts of invasion games through engaging, age-appropriate activities that emphasise cooperation and basic tactical awareness. The focus is on developing confidence with ball handling whilst building understanding of working together towards a common goal. Through progressive challenges, students explore both attacking and defending principles in a supportive, play-based environment that celebrates effort and teamwork.

Lessons in This Unit

8 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Ball Control and Team Recognition
45 min

Big Question:

How can we keep control of the ball while moving towards our goal?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop dribbling skills with hands and feet using controlled touches
  • To understand the concept of being 'in possession' of the ball

Lesson 2

Passing and Space Awareness
45 min

Big Question:

How can we help our team keep the ball and score by making smart passes?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop passing to a teammate with your feet using the inside of the foot
  • To understand who to pass to and why when playing against a defender

Lesson 3

Dribbling and Moving Towards Goal
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our hands to control the ball and help our team score?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop dribbling a ball with hands using fingertips and soft touches
  • To move purposefully towards a goal whilst maintaining ball control

Lesson 4

Team Throwing Skills
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together as a team to move the ball and score points?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop accurate throwing skills to teammates
  • To understand how to support teammates when they have the ball

Lesson 5

Space Awareness in Movement
45 min

Big Question:

How can we outsmart defenders to help our team score goals?

Key Objectives:

  • To move into space showing an awareness of defenders
  • To develop passing and receiving skills in game situations

Lesson 6

Dodging and Losing a Defender
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use our body to escape from someone trying to catch us?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop dodging skills and use them to lose a defender
  • To understand how to find space away from opponents

Lesson 7

Staying with Players in Defence
45 min

Big Question:

How can we stay close to our opponent to stop them from getting the ball?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop the ability to stay with a player when defending
  • To understand the difference between attacking and defending roles

Lesson 8

Taking a Ball Towards Goal
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together to score goals and help our team succeed?

Key Objectives:

  • To develop skills in taking a ball towards goal
  • To understand basic attacking and defending principles