🏈

Lesson 3 - Snap Exchanges and Tag Defence

Invasion Game Tactics Basics

•

Year 3

•

Flag Football

•

Big Question

How can we work as a team to execute precise passes whilst stopping our opponents from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To perform a snap centre-quarterback exchange with increasing accuracy
To grab opponent's tags consistently during defensive play
To apply invasion game tactics effectively in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate snap exchanges between centre and quarterback
Students will show improved defensive tagging techniques and positioning
Students will work collaboratively to develop and implement team tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Distributed before lesson, checked for secure fitting

Alternative: Braids or strips of fabric tucked into waistbands

Flag Footballs

10-15 balls (2 different colours if possible)

Placed behind defensive lines before game session

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls, or bean bags

Cones

15-20 cones

Used to mark boundaries, zones, and triangle formations

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Bibs

2 sets of different colours (15 each)

Distributed for team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Snap

The action of passing the ball backwards between the legs from centre to quarterback to start a play

Centre

The player who starts each play by snapping the ball to the quarterback

Quarterback

The player who receives the snap and throws passes to teammates

Wide Receiver

The player who runs routes to catch passes from the quarterback

Tag Defence

The technique of removing an opponent's tag to stop their attacking play

Invasion Game

A game where teams try to get into their opponent's area to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
Understanding of tag belt wearing and replacement
Knowledge of invasion game principles

Current Skills

Snap centre-quarterback exchange technique
Defensive tagging with focus on hip positioning
Team tactical awareness and communication

Next Steps

Advanced passing patterns and routes
Complex defensive formations
Game leadership and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful snap exchanges

Improved tag success rate in defensive situations

Clear tactical understanding demonstrated in game play

Key Teaching Points

Snap exchange requires stable centre position with legs astride and clean hand-to-hand transfer
Defensive tagging success comes from watching opponent's hips, not feet or shoulders
Team tactics should involve all players rather than relying on a few individuals
Communication between centre and quarterback is essential for successful plays
Braced body position before tag attempts prevents overcommitment and missed tackles
Continuous movement patterns help develop game flow and realistic pressure
Self-assessment encourages honest reflection and identifies areas for improvement

Common Misconceptions

Believing that watching feet gives better defensive advantage than watching hips
Thinking that individual brilliance is more important than team tactical cooperation
Assuming that harder throws are always more accurate than controlled passes
Misconception that evasive running should involve dangerous cutting movements
Believing that defensive success relies on speed alone rather than positioning and timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer regular movement breaks, give immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra demonstration time, focus on one skill element at a time

autism spectrum

Provide clear activity structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet reflection time, maintain consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, employ hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt activities for seated play, modify distances and equipment size, focus on adapted throwing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving instructions, tactical discussions, reflection and evaluation

Maths

Calculating odd and even numbers, times tables, Roman numerals, measuring distances and angles

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, body systems during exercise, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning, understanding of zones and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, resilience, fair play, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity area to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for snap technique, defensive positioning, tag grabbing accuracy, and team communication

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs correction, or tactical understanding is unclear

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in modelling good practice

Verbal Cues

•'Focus on their hips, not their feet!'
•'Snap, turn, throw - keep the rhythm!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'
•'Brace yourself before committing to the tag!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with good grip, free from debris or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for secure fitting and no damaged parts
•Balls inspected for proper inflation and no damage
•Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Trips and falls during evasive movements
•Overexertion during continuous activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled evasive movements
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity game sessions closely
•Check tag belt security regularly
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required