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Lesson 6 - Team Game Strategies

Tactical Skill Development

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to create and defend space effectively?

Learning Objectives

To compete with some spatial awareness in team games
To pass and move decisively using attacking and defending skills
To think strategically when in and out of possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate spatial awareness during team games
Students will execute decisive passes and movement patterns
Students will apply both attacking and defending principles effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Marked Courts

1 per class

Ensure all lines are clearly visible for Pacman game

Alternative: Use cones to mark lines if no court available

Balls

1 per group of 4 students

Ensure balls are appropriate size for Year 2 hands

Alternative: Bean bags or playground balls for easier handling

Coloured Cones

18 cones including 4 different colours

Use bright colours that students can easily distinguish

Alternative: Coloured bibs or markers if cones unavailable

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Ensure clear team identification for games

Alternative: Coloured cones to hold if no bibs available

Key Vocabulary

Spatial awareness

Knowing where you are in relation to other players and the boundaries

Decisive

Making quick, confident decisions with the ball

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Intercept

To catch or stop the ball when the other team is passing

End zone

The scoring area at each end of the playing area

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and passing skills
Understanding of simple team game rules
Ability to move in different directions safely

Current Skills

Spatial awareness in team contexts
Decisive passing and movement
Strategic thinking in attack and defence

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness
Complex passing patterns and combinations
Leadership roles in team games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently finds space during games

Makes quick, accurate passing decisions

Demonstrates understanding of team tactics

Key Teaching Points

Spatial awareness is key to successful team play
Quick, decisive passing creates attacking opportunities
Using width makes defending much more difficult
Movement without the ball is as important as movement with it
Both attacking and defending require teamwork and communication
Fair play and safety rules must be followed consistently
Self-reflection helps identify areas for improvement

Common Misconceptions

That holding the ball longer gives better passing options - emphasise quick decisions
That all players should follow the ball - teach spreading out and creating space
That only the person with the ball needs to think - emphasise team strategy
That defending means being aggressive - teach positioning and anticipation
That winning is the only measure of success - celebrate effort and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear, simple instructions with frequent repetition

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls for easier handling, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step movement demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules for lesson sections, allow for quiet reflection time, use consistent terminology throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of spatial arrangements, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written rule summaries, ensure face-to-face communication during instructions

physical disability

Adapt rules for wheelchair users - allow ball carrying, modified scoring zones, seated passing options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting seconds for possession limits, measuring distances for playing areas, angles and directions for tactical movement

Science

Forces in throwing and catching, balance and movement, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial concepts, directions, mapping movement patterns around playing areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition, communication skills, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during whole-class activities, moving between groups during small-sided games for maximum observation

Observation Focus

Spatial awareness development, teamwork quality, individual skill progression, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when safety rules are broken, when students need tactical guidance, or when motivation support is needed

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations frequently to reinforce learning, always explain what makes demonstrations effective, encourage positive peer recognition

Verbal Cues

•'Spread out and use the space!'
•'Quick pass - the defender is coming!'
•'Move to help your teammate!'
•'Think ahead - where's your next pass?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full class activities, court markings preferred

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls appropriately sized for Year 2 students
•Cones stable and visible with no sharp edges
•Bibs/bands in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running games
•Falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion in competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety rules established
•No contact rule enforced consistently
•Adequate space between activity groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor intensity levels during competitive phases
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, record any incidents