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Lesson 2 - Ball Handling & Passing

Strategic Movement & Communication

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Year 4

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Flag Football

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Big Question

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

Flag Footballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Check all balls are properly inflated and suitable for throwing

Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs for grip practice

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Ensure all belts have secure fastenings and visible tags

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts if belts unavailable

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility of zones and boundaries

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines for boundaries

Tablets

Charged device ready for filming discussion segments

Alternative: Notepad for recording communication observations

Key Vocabulary

Javelin pass

An overarm throwing technique where the ball is thrown like a javelin with accuracy

Ready position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready to catch

Tag belt

Belt worn around waist with removable flags for tag games

Dummy pass

Fake throwing motion to deceive opponents without releasing the ball

Defensive zone

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

Consistent grip without teacher reminders

Accurate passes over increasing distances

Quick transition between attacking and defending roles

Clear communication that influences team performance

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