Lesson 4 - Running Attack Lines
Invasion Game Tactics Basics
•Year 3
•Flag Football
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How can we use different running patterns to outsmart defenders and work together as a team?
Learning Objectives
- To receive a ball whilst moving and changing direction
- To run strategic lines of attack including hooks and slants
- To communicate effectively with teammates during attacking play
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute hook and slant runs with accurate timing
- Students will catch passes whilst moving at different angles
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork in attacking and defending situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all belts have working Velcro attachments
Alternative: Tag rugby belts, bibs tucked into waistbands
Use 2 different colours for team identification
Alternative: Soft rugby balls, tennis balls for younger students
Must be easily visible and stable when hit
Alternative: Football, basketball, medicine ball
Use for marking running routes and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, hoops, sport spots
Ensure battery charged and memory available
Alternative: Smartphone, video camera
Key Vocabulary
Running straight out then doubling back towards the quarterback to receive a pass
Running straight then cutting at a 45-degree angle forwards to deceive defenders
The player who throws passes to teammates running attack lines
The player who runs the attack line and receives the pass
Planned running routes designed to create space and confuse defenders
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of team games and positions
- Basic flag football rules from previous lessons
Current Skills
- Running strategic attack lines (hook and slant)
- Receiving passes whilst moving
- Team communication and tactical awareness
Next Steps
- Combining multiple attack patterns in game situations
- Defensive positioning and interception skills
- Advanced tactical play and leadership roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Hook runs require sharp direction changes, not gradual curves
- Slant runs maintain forward momentum at 45-degree angles
- Hand signals are crucial for quiet team communication
- Sideways throwing stance provides power and accuracy
- Teamwork is more effective than individual play in invasion games
- Tactical planning improves team performance significantly
- Both attacking and defending require cooperation and strategy
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking hook runs should be gradual curves rather than sharp direction changes
- Believing shouting is better communication than hand signals
- Assuming individual skill is more important than team tactics
- Expecting immediate success with complex running patterns without practice
- Misunderstanding that defending is as important as attacking in team success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear start and stop signals
dyspraxia
- Simplified running patterns initially, extra practice time, visual cues for direction changes
autism spectrum
- Clear routines established, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of running patterns, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, clear hand signals taught to whole class, written instructions available
physical disability
- Modified running patterns (walking pace), seated quarterback role, adapted flag systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles for slant runs, measuring distances for throwing accuracy, counting scores and statistics
Science
Forces in throwing, momentum and direction changes, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and leadership, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill practice, central position during games for rule enforcement and safety
Observation Focus
Running line technique, communication quality, teamwork development, application of skills in game context
Intervention Points
Step in if students not following safety rules, provide extra support for struggling learners, clarify tactical concepts when needed
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students as models when they show excellent technique. Film good examples for immediate feedback.
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance for power!'
- •'Show me those hands!'
- •'Sharp direction change!'
- •'Quiet signals only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m for games, additional space for skill practice
Surface Check
Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Flag belts checked for secure Velcro attachments
- •Balls inflated to correct pressure for safe catching
- •Cones placed to avoid collision hazards
- •Recording device secure and not in play area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running and direction changes
- •Trips from flag belts or loose equipment
- •Overexertion during games
- •Ball strikes to head or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spatial boundaries established with cones
- •Emphasis on controlled speed during direction changes
- •Regular checks of flag belt security
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
- •Teacher positioning for maximum supervision
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Monitor running line practice for safe spacing
- •Watch for fatigue during extended game play
- •Ensure flag pulling is clean and safe
- •Position to see all students during activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, clear path to first aid, assistant teacher aware of any medical conditions