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Lesson 6 - Defending and Game Application

Invasion Game Tactics Basics

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Year 3

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Flag Football

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all belts are secure and tags are attached properly

Alternative: Velcro belts, coloured bands

Gaelic Footballs

6-8

Distribute around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls for safety

Dish Cones

4 different colours for assessment stations, others for field marking

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For distinguishing teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking one specific opponent

Zonal marking

A defensive strategy where defenders are responsible for a specific area of the pitch

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where the ball is placed at the start of each play

Downs

The number of attempts a team has to advance the ball towards the end zone

Snap

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

Maintains defensive position for 10+ seconds

Communicates clearly with teammates during defensive plays

Chooses appropriate defensive strategy based on game situation

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