Lesson 6 - Defending and Game Application
Invasion Game Tactics Basics
•Year 3
•Flag Football
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can different defensive strategies help my team prevent the opposition from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply different defensive strategies (man-to-man and zonal marking)
- To play a modified Flag Football game following the rules and demonstrating fair play
- To demonstrate school games values through teamwork and communication
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain the difference between man-to-man and zonal defending
- Students will apply defensive skills effectively in game situations
- Students will demonstrate positive sporting behaviour and communication during gameplay
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all belts are secure and tags are attached properly
Alternative: Velcro belts, coloured bands
Distribute around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls for safety
4 different colours for assessment stations, others for field marking
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines
For distinguishing teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking one specific opponent
A defensive strategy where defenders are responsible for a specific area of the pitch
The imaginary line where the ball is placed at the start of each play
The number of attempts a team has to advance the ball towards the end zone
The start of a play when the ball is passed from centre to quarterback
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tag belt usage and safety
- Understanding of attacking play in Flag Football
- Knowledge of field positions and basic rules
Current Skills
- Man-to-man defensive marking
- Zonal defensive positioning
- Game application with tactical awareness
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive formations
- Transition from defence to attack
- Leadership roles in competitive situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Man-to-man marking means each defender follows one specific attacker wherever they go
- Zonal marking means defenders guard an area and take responsibility for any attacker who enters it
- Communication between defenders is essential for both strategies to work effectively
- The line of scrimmage is where each play begins and both teams must line up behind it
- Teams have 2 downs to reach halfway, then 2 more downs to score in their end zone
- School games values should be demonstrated through respectful play and positive team communication
- Tactical discussions between plays help teams adapt and improve their performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that zonal marking means defenders can't move from their starting position
- Believing that man-to-man marking means you have to stay right next to your opponent
- Assuming that the best defensive strategy is always the same regardless of the situation
- Thinking that Flag Football is just about running fast rather than tactical thinking
- Believing that only the most skilled players can be team leaders or make tactical decisions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement-based learning throughout, specific roles and responsibilities, regular positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for positioning, larger targets and zones, step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and predictable structures, visual schedules for lesson phases, quiet break spaces available, social stories for team situations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal cues for all positioning, buddy system for field awareness, clear audio signals for play starts
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for play starts, written tactical instructions, demonstration-heavy teaching, sign language support if available
physical disability
- Modified field sizes, seated or walking versions of activities, adapted equipment like larger balls, peer support roles
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating scores and downs, understanding odd/even numbers, Roman numerals, mental arithmetic during warm-up challenges
Science
Understanding forces in running and stopping, momentum in defensive positioning, reaction times in competitive situations
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning on field, understanding of zones and territories, directional language and movement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when strategies don't work, respect for rules and opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between playing areas during games, position centrally for demonstrations, move to sideline for filming
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical understanding, communication quality, application of defensive strategies, demonstration of school games values
Intervention Points
Step in if rules are being broken, provide tactical guidance during huddles, support struggling students with positioning
Demonstration Notes
Use students as demonstrators where possible, show strategies with clear, exaggerated movements, break down complex concepts into simple steps
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay in your zone!'
- •'Who's got the runner?'
- •'Great communication!'
- •'Remember your role!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m for two simultaneous 5v5 games, clear run-off areas of 3m minimum
Surface Check
Even grass or sports hall surface, free from holes, wet patches, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All tag belts checked for secure fastening and working velcro
- •Tags properly attached and not frayed or damaged
- •Soft footballs appropriate for age group
- •Cones positioned to avoid collision risk
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running plays
- •Aggressive tag pulling or contact
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
- •Trips over field markings or equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about tag grabbing only, no holding or pushing
- •Regular hydration breaks during games
- •Progressive skill building before competitive play
- •Clear boundary markings and run-off areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of both playing areas during games
- •Monitor energy levels and competitive behaviour
- •Watch for signs of frustration or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and rule adherence
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury occurs