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Lesson 4 - Hook and Slant Running Lines

Strategic Movement & Communication

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Year 4

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Flag Football

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1h 8min

Big Question

How can I use different running patterns to outsmart defenders and work as an effective team player?

Learning Objectives

To receive a ball whilst moving using hook and slant running patterns
To understand and communicate effectively with teammates during attacking plays
To demonstrate tactical awareness when working alongside and against others in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute hook and slant running lines with control and timing
Students will communicate effectively with quarterbacks using hand signals
Students will apply tactical knowledge in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around activity area for quick access

Alternative: Fabric strips, coloured bibs with attachments

Flag Footballs

24 (3 per team of 8)

Distributed to team areas before main session

Alternative: Foam footballs, tennis balls

Large Target Ball

Placed in centre of square formation

Alternative: Large foam ball, medicine ball

Cones

Mark boundaries and running patterns

Alternative: Sports markers, dome markers

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Ready for team identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Hook run

Running straight out then doubling back towards the quarterback to receive a pass

Slant run

Running straight then cutting at a 45-degree angle forwards to evade defenders

Quarterback

The player who throws passes to running teammates

Running back

The player who runs patterns to receive passes from the quarterback

Hand signals

Non-verbal communication showing readiness to receive a pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and directional changes
Simple ball catching and throwing techniques
Understanding of team roles in invasion games

Current Skills

Hook and slant running patterns
Communication through hand signals
Tactical decision-making in team situations

Next Steps

Complex route combinations
Advanced team formations
Game-specific tactical systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of running patterns

Clear communication with teammates

Effective tactical application in game context

Key Teaching Points

Hook runs require sharp direction changes, not gradual curves
Communication through hand signals is more effective than shouting
Both quarterback and receiver must time their actions together
Slant runs move forward while hook runs come back towards the quarterback
Teamwork in invasion games requires passing and supporting movement
Fair play and tag rules must be consistently followed
Self-assessment helps students understand their own learning progress

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hook and slant runs are the same movement with different names
Believing louder communication is always better communication
Assuming individual skill is more important than team coordination
Not understanding why passing is required before scoring in invasion games
Thinking tag games are won by avoiding others rather than strategic movement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity intervals, clear movement boundaries, regular positional feedback, immediate praise for focus

dyspraxia

Slower pattern introduction, extra practice time, simplified communication signals, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available for breaks, predictable team formations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions for all movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all patterns, written instruction cards, hand signal system expanded beyond basic game needs

physical disability

Adapted running patterns at reduced speed, seated throwing variations, modified tag game with different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for slant runs, measuring distances for patterns, timing and sequencing of movements

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, physics of throwing trajectories, body systems during exercise

Geography

Understanding directions and spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns around the field

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' successes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all groups during practice, mobile during game for close observation

Observation Focus

Watch for pattern execution, communication quality, safety during direction changes, and teamwork effectiveness

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with patterns, unsafe play during tag game, or poor team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for patterns, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp hook back!'
•'Show those hands clearly!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Use your patterns!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, additional area for tag game

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards and adequate grip

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure fastening and no sharp edges
•Ensure footballs are in good condition with no damage
•Cones positioned safely away from running lanes

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag game and running patterns
•Falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes during throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Adequate spacing between groups during practice
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Proper warm-up before intensive running

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Ensure safe transitions between activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if needed