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Lesson 1 - Tag, Dodge and Track

Invasion Game Tactics Basics

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Year 3

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Flag Football

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1h 18min

Big Question

How can we use our body movement to create space and defend effectively in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

To develop tagging skills with accuracy and control
To learn dodging techniques using both feet to evade opponents
To understand the importance of sideways-on positioning when defending

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to tag opponents safely and effectively
Students will demonstrate dodging off both feet to evade defenders
Students will show understanding of sideways-on defensive positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

2 per student (60 total)

Check all belts are secure and fasteners work properly before lesson

Alternative: Coloured ribbons, velcro strips attached to waistbands

Gaelic Footballs

8-10

Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable size for Year 3 hands

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs, bean bags for skill practice

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility, check no sharp edges

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, bibs as markers

Dish Cones

4 different colours

Clearly visible lines for feint and go activity target areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape lines, rope lines

Key Vocabulary

Tag

To remove an opponent's flag belt safely and legally

Dodge

To change direction quickly to avoid being tagged

Feint

A fake movement to deceive the opponent

Sideways-on

Defensive body position allowing vision of both ball and player

Hand-off

The transfer of the ball from quarterback to running back

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping skills
Understanding of team games concept
Simple catching and passing abilities

Current Skills

Tagging opponents safely and effectively
Dodging off both feet with weight transfer
Tracking opponents and defensive positioning

Next Steps

Combining tagging and dodging in game situations
Advanced defensive strategies and communication
Flag football tactical understanding

Milestone Indicators

Can tag without fouling or being aggressive

Shows clear weight transfer when dodging

Maintains sideways position when defending

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise safe, controlled tagging with two hands at all times
Reinforce sideways-on defensive positioning for maximum effectiveness
Encourage full commitment to feint movements for successful dodging
Focus on head-up ball carrying for peripheral awareness
Promote honest self-assessment and celebration of effort
Maintain positive team spirit throughout competitive activities
Apply progressive skill building from simple to complex movements

Common Misconceptions

Students think bigger feint movements are less effective - explain that exaggerated movements sell the deception better
Students believe tagging harder makes them better defenders - emphasise technique and positioning over force
Students assume they should look at the ball when carrying - teach peripheral vision and scanning skills
Students think defensive success is only about speed - explain importance of patience and positioning
Students believe they must always win to be successful - reinforce that effort and sportsmanship are equally valued

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear stopping signals

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movement combinations, provide extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet retreat space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule of lesson activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals, demonstrate all instructions, provide written activity cards with key points

physical disability

Modify tagging to seated position, use larger lighter balls, adapt distances for individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, communicating tactics to teammates

Maths

Counting captured flags during team tag, measuring distances for hand-off practice, angles of movement during dodging

Science

Understanding forces during dodging movements, body systems working during exercise, balance and momentum principles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, celebrating others' achievements, respectful competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of teaching area for visibility of all students, move closer to support individual groups during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for safe tagging technique, quality of dodging movements, and positive teamwork interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students become overly competitive, provide additional demonstration for struggling learners, mediate any disputes quickly

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve confident students as models, repeat key demonstrations multiple times throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands for safe tagging!'
•'Sell that feint movement!'
•'Sideways-on position defenders!'
•'Keep your head up with the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space for full group activities, additional boundary space for safety margins

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for secure fastening and easy release
•Footballs properly inflated and appropriate size for Year 3 hands
•Cones with no sharp edges and stable base

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic movement activities
•Trips and falls from aggressive tagging
•Ball strikes to face during hand-off practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced throughout lesson
•Emphasis on controlled tagging technique with two hands
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic practice
•Adequate spacing between groups during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all active areas
•Monitor tag battles for safety compliance
•Circulate during skills practice to ensure proper technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established and practised, immediate first aid available, clear access routes maintained to equipment storage