Lesson 2 - Ball Handling and Passing Skills
Invasion Game Tactics Basics
•Year 3
•Flag Football
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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
Each student wears belt with 2 flags attached at hip level
Alternative: Tag rugby belts, coloured bands tied around waist
Used to mark boundaries, zones, and safe areas
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
An overarm throwing technique where the ball is thrown like a javelin with one hand
Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready to catch
How to hold the flag football correctly for throwing
The area where receivers position their hands to catch the ball
A fake throwing motion to deceive opponents
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
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