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Lesson 6 - Zone Defence Strategies

Strategic Movement & Communication

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Year 4

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Flag Football

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1h 5min

Big Question

How do different defensive strategies help teams work together to protect their goal?

Learning Objectives

Apply zone and man-to-man defensive strategies effectively in Flag Football
Demonstrate understanding of defensive positioning and communication
Play Flag Football applying the complete rule set with tactical awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully implement both zone and man-to-man defensive systems
Students will communicate effectively within their defensive unit
Students will apply all Flag Football rules consistently during game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have secure flag attachments before lesson

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, coloured scarves

Gaelic Footballs

6-8

Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable size for Year 4 hands

Alternative: Rugby balls, oval-shaped balls

Cones

Use for field markings, end zones, and assessment zones

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

Bibs

15 (two different colours)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Different coloured flag belts

Measuring Tapes

For accurate field measurement and line placement

Alternative: Pre-marked field, large measuring stick

Key Vocabulary

Zone Defence

A defensive strategy where players guard specific areas of the field rather than individual opponents

Man-to-Man Defence

A defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to guard a specific offensive player

Line of Scrimmage

The imaginary line across the field where the play begins, where offensive and defensive lines face each other

Downs

The attempts a team has to advance the ball down the field

Snap

The action that starts each play, typically a handover from centre to quarterback

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic Flag Football rules and positions
Individual defensive skills like shadowing and positioning
Understanding of offensive formations and roles

Current Skills

Zone defensive positioning and responsibilities
Man-to-man defensive marking techniques
Team defensive communication and coordination

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations and switches
Defensive set plays and special situations
Tournament play with complex tactical decision-making

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain advantages of both defensive systems

Students maintain defensive shape throughout game play

Students communicate proactively during defensive situations

Key Teaching Points

Zone defence protects areas while man-to-man defence shadows specific players
Effective communication is essential for both defensive systems to work properly
Tactical decisions should be made as a team with everyone's input valued
Consistent application of chosen defensive system throughout the game
School games values are demonstrated through how we support teammates in defence
Flag Football rules must be followed consistently for fair and safe play
Self-reflection helps identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes

Common Misconceptions

Thinking zone defence means standing still in one spot - defenders must move within their zone
Believing man-to-man means staying extremely close to opponents - proper distance prevents being beaten
Assuming one defensive system is always better - effectiveness depends on situation and team strengths
Thinking defensive players can't communicate - communication is crucial for both systems
Believing that aggressive flag-pulling is acceptable - only flags should be grabbed, never clothing or equipment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter practice segments with regular changes, clear defensive role assignments, physical activity release valves, regular feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Simplified defensive movements initially, extra practice time, larger zones for coverage, peer support for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routines for defensive systems, visual schedules for lesson progression, quiet zones available for breaks, predictable team formations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of defensive positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio signals for play changes

hearing impairment

Visual signals for play changes, written tactical instructions, clear demonstrations with exaggerated movements, visual defensive position cards

physical disability

Modified defensive positions, seated coordination roles, adapted flag-pulling techniques, modified field dimensions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical discussions and communication, peer assessment feedback, vocabulary development with specialist terms

Maths

Calculating odd and even numbers, Roman numeral recognition, field measurements and distances, scoring systems and statistics

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding of zones and territories, directional movement

History

Origins of American Football and its development, understanding of Roman numeral system

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, respect and fair play, self-reflection and assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, rotate between groups during practice for equal observation time

Observation Focus

Defensive communication quality, system consistency, tactical decision-making, and school games values demonstration

Intervention Points

Step in if defensive systems break down due to poor communication or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show defensive positioning, ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly, repeat key demonstrations if needed

Verbal Cues

•'Communicate your zones!'
•'Stay with your player!'
•'What's your team's plan?'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for full games, additional space for multiple practice areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all flag belts for secure attachment and no sharp edges
•Ensure footballs are properly inflated and appropriate size
•Verify cone stability and no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during defensive plays
•Tripping over equipment or field markings
•Overexertion during extended game play
•Flag-pulling injuries from incorrect technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Teach safe flag-pulling technique - flags only, not clothing
•Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
•Adequate spacing between practice groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during practice
•Monitor defensive play intensity to prevent overaggressive contact
•Watch for fatigue signs during extended game play

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified