Lesson 3 - Snap Exchanges and Tag Defence
Invasion Game Tactics Basics
•Year 3
•Flag Football
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distributed before lesson, checked for secure fitting
Alternative: Braids or strips of fabric tucked into waistbands
Placed behind defensive lines before game session
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls, or bean bags
Used to mark boundaries, zones, and triangle formations
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Distributed for team identification during games
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Key Vocabulary
The action of passing the ball backwards between the legs from centre to quarterback to start a play
The player who starts each play by snapping the ball to the quarterback
The player who receives the snap and throws passes to teammates
The player who runs routes to catch passes from the quarterback
The technique of removing an opponent's tag to stop their attacking play
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
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