Lesson 2 - Ball Handling & Passing
Strategic Movement & Communication
•Year 4
•Flag Football
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How can accurate passing and communication help our team succeed in attack and defence?
Learning Objectives
- To grip a flag football correctly and demonstrate proper throwing technique
- To adopt a ready position and move quickly to receive passes
- To communicate effectively with teammates during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct grip and javelin pass technique
- Students will show understanding of ready position and quick movement
- Students will communicate clearly and listen to teammates during games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all balls are properly inflated and suitable for throwing
Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs for grip practice
Ensure all belts have secure fastenings and visible tags
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts if belts unavailable
Use bright colours for clear visibility of zones and boundaries
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines for boundaries
Charged device ready for filming discussion segments
Alternative: Notepad for recording communication observations
Key Vocabulary
An overarm throwing technique where the ball is thrown like a javelin with accuracy
Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready to catch
Belt worn around waist with removable flags for tag games
Fake throwing motion to deceive opponents without releasing the ball
Area behind your team's line that you must protect from opponents
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from Year 3
- Understanding of space and movement
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Correct grip technique for flag football
- Javelin pass accuracy and technique
- Ready position and quick movement to receive
- Effective communication in team situations
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques under pressure
- Complex team tactics and strategies
- Game analysis and tactical decision-making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ring finger and little finger must cross the laces for proper grip
- Javelin pass requires sideways stance and step forward with opposite foot
- Ready position has weight on balls of feet with hands as chest-height target
- Effective communication includes both clear speaking and active listening
- Tactical success requires balance between attacking and defending roles
- Dummy passes must be convincing to be effective in game situations
- Self-assessment accuracy improves with specific criteria and honest reflection
Common Misconceptions
- Students think gripping harder improves accuracy - teach relaxed, positioned grip
- Many face the target square-on when throwing - emphasise sideways stance
- Some believe communication is only about being loud - teach clarity and listening
- Students often focus only on attacking - highlight importance of defensive tactics
- Students may think dropped balls end possession - explain continuous play rules
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular feedback, fidget balls during instruction time
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls initially, extra practice time for grip, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable team formations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and verbal cues for all instructions, buddy system for spatial awareness, audio signals for game transitions
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, visual timers for activities
physical disability
- Seated throwing practice, modified grip techniques, shorter throwing distances, alternative roles in team games
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting sequences in 5,4,3,2,1 activity, measuring distances for throwing practice, calculating team scores and statistics
Science
Understanding forces and trajectory in throwing, discussing muscle groups used in javelin pass, analysing effect of grip on ball control
Geography
Spatial awareness and direction during games, understanding zones and boundaries, mapping player movements
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, honest self-assessment, leadership during team discussions, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all students during activities, move around during games to observe communication
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip technique, throwing accuracy, ready position quality, and communication effectiveness
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing technique becomes dangerous, if students struggle with grip, or if communication breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations for grip technique, exaggerate key points like L-shape and step forward, model good communication during team discussions
Verbal Cues
- •'Ring finger and little finger on the laces!'
- •'Step and follow through!'
- •'Ready position - weight on your toes!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all flag footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure tag belts are secure but not too tight
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tag games and ball retrieval
- •Balls thrown at head height causing injury
- •Trips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Aggressive contact during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate space between activities
- •Emphasis on throwing over heads, not at players
- •Progressive skill building before full game application
- •Clear rules about tag pulling technique and no blocking
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during tag games
- •Monitor throwing technique to prevent dangerous throws
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safe participation
- •Ensure proper spacing during all activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required