Lesson 5 - Running Lines and Receiving Skills
Invasion Game Tactics Basics
•Year 3
•Flag Football
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How can effective communication and running lines help us work as a team in Flag Football?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to run different types of lines and receive a ball whilst on the run
- To understand the concepts of line of scrimmage, downs, and snap in Flag Football
- To demonstrate effective communication and listening skills during gameplay
Key Outcomes
- All students will participate in running lines and modified Flag Football games
- Most students will successfully catch passes while running and communicate with teammates
- Some students will demonstrate advanced tactical awareness and leadership in team discussions
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all belts have two tags attached securely
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands
Use size 3 footballs appropriate for Year 3 hands
Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs
Use to mark field boundaries and line of scrimmage
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
To distinguish teams during game play
Alternative: Team bands or coloured tags
Key Vocabulary
The imaginary line across the field where each play begins
An attempt to advance the ball; teams get a limited number of downs to score
The start of a play when the ball is handed or thrown from the centre to the quarterback
The player who leads the team's attack and decides where to throw or hand the ball
The player who runs with the ball and receives passes from the quarterback
Players who run routes to catch passes from the quarterback
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping skills
- Simple throwing and catching techniques
- Understanding of tag belt safety and rules
Current Skills
- Running different types of lines whilst maintaining speed
- Catching passes whilst in motion
- Understanding Flag Football terminology and tactics
Next Steps
- Advanced route running with cuts and turns
- Defensive positioning and strategy
- Full game play with all positions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Running lines must be straight and at consistent pace to create timing with quarterback
- Communication during tactical talks is as important as physical skills for team success
- Ball security is crucial - both in catching technique and holding after reception
- The snap starts all plays and requires good centre-quarterback coordination
- Tag pulling should be quick and clean, never aggressive or dangerous
- Spatial awareness and positioning are key elements of successful Flag Football
- Listening skills during team discussions directly impact tactical effectiveness
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think they need to slow down to catch the ball - emphasise maintaining pace
- Some believe louder communication is better - teach clear, calm tactical discussion
- May think quarterback is the most important position - emphasise all roles are vital
- Could assume dropped catches always lead to turnovers - clarify when this rule applies
- May believe tag pulling should be forceful - teach controlled, precise technique
- Some think running any direction is acceptable - emphasise specific route patterns
- Could assume individual skill is most important - highlight team coordination requirements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in regular movement breaks, use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger balls for easier catching, focus on effort over accuracy
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet observation role if overwhelmed, prepare for tag belt sensory issues
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured footballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance and spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual hand signals for instructions, provide written game rules card, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading and demonstrations
physical disability
- Modify to seated throwing and catching, reduce distances, use larger/lighter balls, focus on tactical understanding and communication roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Speaking and listening skills during tactical discussions, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development
Maths
Counting downs and measuring distances, understanding field dimensions and calculating progress to halfway line
Science
Understanding forces when throwing and catching, friction and grip, body systems during physical activity
Geography
Using directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness and field positioning concepts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, inclusion and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corners of playing area for maximum visibility during activities, move between pairs/teams during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for safe tag pulling technique, correct running form, and positive communication during team discussions
Intervention Points
Step in if students show unsafe play, provide immediate feedback for incorrect technique, mediate disputes fairly
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to model correct technique, exaggerate movements for clear visibility, break down complex skills into simple steps
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep those lines straight!'
- •'Catch over your shoulder!'
- •'Quick, clean tag pulls only!'
- •'Listen to your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space with clear boundaries marked by cones
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or obstacles that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts fit correctly and tags are securely attached
- •Ensure footballs are appropriate size (size 3) for Year 3 students
- •Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running patterns
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Overly aggressive tag pulling
- •Ball strikes to face or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and channels established for all activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed
- •Teaching correct tag pulling technique
- •Progressive skill building from walking to jogging pace
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at corner of playing area for maximum visibility
- •Move between activities to monitor technique and behaviour
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed