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Lesson 6 - Attack & Defence Consolidation

Tactical Thinking: Treasure Games

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can teams successfully switch between attacking and defending during competitive games?

Learning Objectives

Apply knowledge of attacking and defending principles in competitive team games
Create and implement simple tactical strategies for both attack and defence
Understand when and why teams need to transition between attacking and defending roles

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective transition between attack and defence in game situations
Students will work collaboratively to develop and apply team tactics
Students will understand the consequences of tactical decisions in competitive games

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

40-50 (unlimited supply)

Place large pile in centre of each playing area

Alternative: Small foam balls, soft toys, or blocks

Hoops

8 (1 per team)

Position one beside each team's starting area

Alternative: Marked circles with chalk, small mats, or rope circles

Cones

16 for boundaries

Mark team areas and playing boundaries clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or markers

Items

4-6 (for extension)

Mixed in with regular beanbags for advanced students

Alternative: Different coloured beanbags, small balls

Key Vocabulary

Attack

Trying to get something or score points for your team

Defence

Trying to stop the other team from getting something or scoring

Transition

Changing from one role to another during the game

Tactics

Plans or strategies your team makes to win the game

Tag

Touching an opponent gently with your hand to stop them

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of personal space and safe movement
Experience with simple tagging games
Understanding of basic game rules and fair play

Current Skills

Transitioning between attack and defence roles
Creating and applying team tactics
Understanding strategic decision-making in games

Next Steps

More complex tactical games with multiple objectives
Introduction to positional play in team games
Advanced decision-making under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Students can switch roles smoothly during gameplay

Teams develop and communicate basic strategies

Understanding of when to prioritise attack vs defence

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that teams need to both attack AND defend during the game
Highlight the importance of tactical planning and team communication
Demonstrate safe, gentle tagging technique consistently
Celebrate strategic thinking as much as competitive success
Connect tactical learning to students' existing knowledge of sports and games
Use the rescue mechanism to reinforce teamwork and collaboration
Encourage adaptation of tactics based on game situations and other teams' strategies

Common Misconceptions

Students may think defenders can only defend - emphasise their dual attack/defence role
May believe being tagged means they're completely out - reinforce the rescue mechanism
Could focus purely on individual success rather than team tactical planning
Might think the fastest/strongest team will automatically win - emphasise strategic thinking
May not understand that tactics should change based on current scores and game situation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical discussions into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, assign specific roles within teams

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, allow additional practice time, provide peer support for tactical planning

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, allow quiet planning spaces, use consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured beanbags, verbal descriptions of game state, assign sighted buddy for tactical planning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game start/stop, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication during instructions

physical disability

Adapt tagging rules for seated students, use larger target areas, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical vocabulary development, communication skills during team planning, expressing ideas clearly

Maths

Counting treasure collections, adding scores across multiple rounds, comparing team totals, simple data collection

Science

Understanding forces during movement and direction changes, heart rate changes during activity, teamwork concepts

PSHE

Collaboration skills, leadership roles, dealing with competition, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between playing areas, positioning at corners for optimal visibility of both areas

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, safe tagging technique, team collaboration, rule understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, if teams need tactical support, or if disputes arise

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic body language to maintain energy, demonstrate tactical concepts with clear gestures, model positive sportsmanship throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Remember gentle tags only!'
•'What's your team's strategy?'
•'Think about when to attack and when to defend!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground space, minimum 15m x 20m per playing area

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft beanbags checked for tears or loose filling
•Hoops positioned away from walls and obstacles
•Cones stable and not presenting trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced treasure collection
•Unsafe tagging technique causing injury
•Disputes over tagging leading to rough play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Emphasis on gentle tagging technique with regular reminders
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Stop signals clearly established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between two playing areas for optimal visibility
•Monitor centre treasure areas where most collisions might occur
•Watch defending teams carefully for appropriate tagging technique

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury, first aid if required, adjust activity if needed