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Lesson 8 - Tournament Skills & Play

Foundation Skills & Game Sense

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Year 4

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we apply all our football skills and teamwork to compete fairly and successfully in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply previously learned rules and tactics in competitive tournament play
To demonstrate fair play, sportsmanship and respect for officials throughout competition
To work collaboratively as a team and show resilience when facing challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply football rules and tactics in tournament matches
Students will demonstrate positive character traits including honesty, fair play and respect
Students will explain the importance of warm-up activities and their effects on the body

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used to mark goal areas (4m wide) and pitch boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or corner flags

Softballs

3 (one per pitch)

One ball per pitch, spare balls available for quick restarts

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for easier control

Team bibs

30 (5-6 different colours)

Different colour for each team to aid identification

Alternative: Coloured cones or pinnies

Score Sheets

1 (either 4-team or 6-team format)

Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers for reuse

Alternative: Whiteboard for score tracking

Whistles

1 per student (student referees)

Each student referee needs clear method to stop play

Alternative: Hand claps or verbal calls

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving several teams or players competing in multiple matches

Referee

The official who enforces the rules and controls the match

Sportsmanship

Fair and generous behaviour towards opponents and officials

Tactics

Planned strategies and methods used to outplay the opposition

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving or playing the ball effectively

Jockeying

Defensive technique of slowing down an attacker without diving in

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic football skills: dribbling, passing, shooting
Understanding of basic football rules and positions
Experience of working in teams and small-sided games

Current Skills

Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Using tactical awareness in tournament play
Demonstrating leadership and fair play under pressure

Next Steps

Refining tactical understanding for different opponents
Developing advanced refereeing and coaching skills
Leading warm-ups and team discussions independently

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without teacher prompts

Natural demonstration of sportsmanship and respect

Tactical discussions between teammates during play

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success is measured by character and effort, not just winning
Referee decisions must be respected completely - this develops real-world skills
Tactical discussions should be inclusive with all team members contributing ideas
Warm-up activities prepare the body and prevent injuries during competitive play
Sportsmanship includes supporting opponents and celebrating their good play
Teams should learn from each match to improve in subsequent games
Leadership opportunities through captaincy and refereeing develop whole child skills

Common Misconceptions

Winning is the only measure of success - correct by celebrating character traits equally
Referees can change decisions if players argue - reinforce that decisions are final
All players should attack together - teach importance of defensive positions and balance
Warm-ups are just for professionals - explain injury prevention benefits for all ages
Tactics don't matter in primary school football - show how simple tactics improve team performance
Competition means being unfriendly to opponents - model and expect respectful rivalry

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match durations, clear roles and responsibilities, regular movement between different activities

dyspraxia

Larger footballs for easier control, simplified tactical concepts, additional time for processing referee decisions

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure with visual schedule, quiet area available for breaks, consistent referee rotation to reduce anxiety

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal commentary during matches, assign sighted buddy for referee support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for referee decisions, ensure face-to-face communication for instructions, provide written tournament rules

physical disability

Adapted rules for wheelchair users, larger goals for easier scoring, modified referee roles suitable for all abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during tactical discussions, explaining decisions as referees, articulating reflection thoughts

Maths

Scoring systems, tournament fixtures, time management between matches, calculating points totals

Science

Heart rate changes during competition, muscle fatigue and recovery, effects of adrenaline on performance

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding positions and formations, mapping player movements

PSHE

Teamwork under pressure, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, leadership responsibilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between pitches to monitor all matches, position centrally when possible for overview

Observation Focus

Watch for rule application, tactical understanding, and character development throughout tournament

Intervention Points

["Step in if referee decisions are being questioned inappropriately", "Support struggling referees with confidence and decision-making", "Redirect focus to positive character traits if competitiveness becomes negative"]

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship throughout, celebrate character as much as skill, use tournament as vehicle for whole child development

Verbal Cues

•'Respect the referee's decision'
•'Well played by both teams'
•'Use your tactics - where should you be?'
•'Support your teammates'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple pitches, clear separation between playing areas

Surface Check

Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes, debris, or water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones positioned securely to avoid tripping hazards
•Footballs appropriate size and properly inflated
•Team bands/bibs in good condition without sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive play
•Overexertion during tournament matches
•Disputes arising from referee decisions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
•Regular water breaks provided between matches
•Teacher supervision of each pitch during play
•Emphasis on respect for referee decisions to prevent arguments

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pitches simultaneously
•Monitor intensity levels and provide rest as needed
•Intervene quickly in any disputes or inappropriate behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required