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Lesson 5 - Running Lines and Receiving Skills

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 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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all belts have two tags attached securely

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands

Gaelic Footballs

6-8

Use size 3 footballs appropriate for Year 3 hands

Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs

Cones

Use to mark field boundaries and line of scrimmage

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Bibs

15 (one colour)

To distinguish teams during game play

Alternative: Team bands or coloured tags

Key Vocabulary

Line of Scrimmage

The imaginary line across the field where each play begins

Down

An attempt to advance the ball; teams get a limited number of downs to score

Snap

The start of a play when the ball is handed or thrown from the centre to the quarterback

Quarterback

The player who leads the team's attack and decides where to throw or hand the ball

Running Back

The player who runs with the ball and receives passes from the quarterback

Wide Receiver

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

Consistent catches whilst running at speed

Clear understanding of game terminology

Effective team communication during play

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