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Lesson 3 - Snap Exchanges and Tag Defence

Strategic Movement & Communication

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Year 4

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can we work as a team to execute successful plays while defending effectively?

Learning Objectives

To perform a snap centre-quarterback exchange accurately and consistently
To grab opponent's tags consistently whilst they try to attack
To apply tactical skills effectively in invasion game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proficient snap centre-quarterback exchanges
Students will show improved defensive tagging techniques and positioning
Students will apply learned skills in competitive game scenarios with tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Ensure each student has 2 tags attached securely to belt

Alternative: Fabric strips or pinnies tucked into waistbands

Gaelic Footballs

10 (1 per group of 3)

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs

Cones

Use different colours to mark defensive zones and boundaries

Alternative: Markers or spot markers

Balls

20 (2 colours)

Place behind defensive lines in game area

Alternative: Coloured balls or markers

Key Vocabulary

Snap

The action of passing the ball backward from the centre to the quarterback to start a play

Centre

The player who starts each play by snapping the ball to the quarterback

Quarterback

The player who receives the snap and usually throws the ball to receivers

Wide Receiver

The player who runs routes to catch passes from the quarterback

Tag Defence

Defensive technique of pulling opponent's tags to stop their forward progress

Invasion Game

A game where teams try to invade opponent's territory 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 sessions
Understanding of invasion game principles
Experience with tag belts and basic tagging

Current Skills

Snap centre-quarterback exchange technique
Defensive positioning and tagging accuracy
Tactical application in competitive scenarios

Next Steps

More complex passing patterns and routes
Advanced defensive formations
Strategic game planning and execution

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of snap exchanges without fumbles

80% success rate in defensive tagging attempts

Demonstration of tactical thinking in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Snap exchanges require firm, accurate backward pass through legs to quarterback's hands
Defensive success comes from watching opponent's hips and bracing before committing to tag
Team tactics are more effective than individual brilliance in invasion games
Skill application under pressure requires practice in game-like situations
Consistent technique is more important than occasional spectacular success
Communication and cooperation are essential for effective team performance
Self-assessment accuracy improves with specific criteria and honest reflection

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that speed alone will beat defenders - technique and timing are more important
Believing that snap exchanges are simple - they require precise coordination and practice
Assuming that aggressive tagging is more effective - controlled technique works better
Expecting immediate success in competitive situations - game application requires progressive development
Focusing only on individual performance rather than team success
Underestimating the mental demands of tactical thinking during physical activity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, frequent position changes, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapted throwing techniques from seated position, modified tagging using soft markers, alternative roles as coaches or scorers

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Number recognition and calculations in warm-up, spatial awareness and angles in defensive positioning, timing and counting in skill sequences

Science

Forces and motion in throwing techniques, reaction times in defensive situations, physics of ball flight and catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping tactical formations

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership during tactical discussions, respect and sportsmanship in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practice, central position during demonstrations, sideline during games for optimal observation

Observation Focus

Watch for technical proficiency in snap exchanges, defensive positioning and movement, tactical application in game contexts

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when students struggling with technique, when competitive intensity becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Use confident students to model good technique, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show both successful and improved versions

Verbal Cues

•'Watch their hips - that's where their body has to go!'
•'Snap firm and accurate - aim for your quarterback's hands!'
•'Brace yourself before committing to the tag!'
•'Think tactics - how can your team work better together?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, suitable for running activities and triangle formations

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for sudden directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are in good condition with secure fastenings
•Ensure footballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Cones positioned with adequate spacing to prevent collision risks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Aggressive tagging leading to contact beyond tag removal
•Fatigue affecting technique and increasing injury risk
•Equipment failure during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities with adequate buffer zones
•Explicit teaching of safe tagging technique focused on tag removal only
•Regular rotation to prevent excessive fatigue in demanding roles
•Equipment checks before and during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during triangle defensive activities
•Monitor competitive intensity during 'Beat the Defender' and game situations
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique quality
•Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school emergency procedures if required