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Lesson 2 - Ball Handling and Passing Skills

Invasion Game Tactics Basics

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Year 3

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Flag Football

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50 min

Big Question

How can effective communication and accurate passing help our team succeed in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

Develop correct grip and javelin pass technique in flag football
Demonstrate ready position and quick movement to receive passes
Apply attacking and defending principles in team invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to grip a flag football correctly and execute accurate javelin passes
Students will demonstrate good ready position and move effectively to receive the ball
Students will communicate effectively with teammates and understand attacking/defending roles

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

15-20 balls

Each student wears belt with 2 flags attached at hip level

Alternative: Tag rugby belts, coloured bands tied around waist

Cones

20-30

Used to mark boundaries, zones, and safe areas

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of 15

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Javelin Pass

An overarm throwing technique where the ball is thrown like a javelin with one hand

Ready Position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready to catch

Grip

How to hold the flag football correctly for throwing

Target

The area where receivers position their hands to catch the ball

Dummy Pass

A fake throwing motion to deceive opponents

Invasion Game

A game where teams try to invade the opponent's territory to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills with various balls
Understanding of personal space and following instructions
Experience with simple tag games and movement patterns

Current Skills

Correct grip technique for flag football
Javelin pass execution with accuracy
Ready position and quick movement for receiving
Basic attacking and defending concepts

Next Steps

Passing while moving and under pressure
Advanced tactical awareness in invasion games
Leadership roles in team strategy discussions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct grip without prompting

75% pass accuracy to stationary targets

Quick transition to ready position when ball approaches

Clear verbal communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Ring finger and little finger cross the laces for correct grip
Thumb and index finger form an 'L' shape when gripping
Ready position requires knees bent and weight on balls of feet
Javelin pass uses overarm motion with sideways stance
Communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively
Team tactics require understanding both attacking and defending roles
Accuracy is more important than power in early skill development

Common Misconceptions

Students often grip the ball like a basketball - emphasise the finger positioning over laces
Many stand too upright in ready position - stress the importance of bent knees for quick movement
Some think louder communication is better - teach that clear, specific communication is most effective
Students may focus only on attacking - ensure equal emphasis on defending principles and teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback, role rotation to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable lesson structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent rules and routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for movement activities, clear verbal cues for all actions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for game rules, written cards with key coaching points, buddy support

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, adapted grip techniques, modified tag rules, focus on upper body skills where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills development, listening and responding appropriately, giving clear instructions to teammates

Maths

Counting passes in 5,4,3,2,1 activity, measuring throwing distances, calculating success rates, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Forces involved in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, lever actions in javelin pass motion

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when strategies don't work, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities for visibility of all students, central position for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip formation, throwing accuracy progression, quality of team communication, safety in tag activities

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when team discussions become unproductive, if competitive intensity becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for grip demonstration, show clear contrasts between correct and incorrect techniques, model positive communication and encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Ring finger and little finger cross the laces!'
•'Make that L shape with thumb and index finger!'
•'Ready position - knees bent, weight forward!'
•'Wait for the signal before you throw!'
•'What's your team strategy?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Flag footballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Flag belts correctly fitted - not too tight or loose
•Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards
•All equipment stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag games and invasion activities
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball impacts from inaccurate throwing
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•No-contact rule emphasised - flags only, no grabbing people
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups
•Progressive skill building before game application
•Regular hydration breaks during warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during games
•Monitor throwing directions and trajectories for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overcompetitive behaviour
•Ensure flag pulling technique remains safe throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal recognised by all students, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for injury assessment and care