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Lesson 6 - Skills in Game Situations

Tactical Attacking & Defending

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Year 4

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Football

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Big Question

How can we use all our football skills together to play effectively as a team?

Learning Objectives

Implement skills learnt over the 6 lessons into competitive games
Use passing on the move skills with teammates in game situations
Evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate integrated football skills in game contexts
Students will communicate effectively to create scoring opportunities
Students will assess their own and team performance constructively

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Balls distributed around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, soft-touch balls for beginners

Cones

40-50

Used for circle formations, pitch boundaries, and goal areas

Alternative: Spots, bibs, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

4 sets of 8 (32 total)

Each team needs different colour for identification

Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification

Markers

8-12 depending on pitch setup

Create 1m wide goal areas at each end of pitches

Alternative: Cones, benches, or playground markings

Stopwatch

For timing game periods and activity rotations

Alternative: Phone timer, PE timer app

Key Vocabulary

Game application

Using learned skills in actual match situations

Passing on the move

Passing the ball while running, to a teammate who is also moving

Interception

Gaining possession by getting in the path of an opponent's pass

Round-robin format

Tournament structure where each team plays every other team once

Self-evaluation

Honestly assessing your own performance and identifying improvements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing techniques with both feet
Simple dribbling and ball control
Understanding of space and movement
Basic defensive positioning

Current Skills

Implementing all skills in game situations
Passing on the move under pressure
Reading the game and making decisions
Self and peer evaluation of performance

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding
Small-sided game strategies
Leadership and coaching roles
Tournament organisation skills

Milestone Indicators

Students successfully combine multiple skills in game play

Teams demonstrate improved communication and coordination

Students provide constructive feedback on performance

Evidence of tactical thinking and adaptation during games

Key Teaching Points

Integration of all skills learned over the 6-lesson unit in game situations
Passing on the move requires looking ahead and communicating with teammates
Tournament format teaches fair play, resilience, and sportsmanship
Self-evaluation and peer feedback are essential for improvement
Team communication is as important as individual skill for success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you must use every skill in every situation - teach when to select appropriate skills
Believing winning is more important than skill development - emphasise learning over results
Assuming louder communication is better - teach clear, specific calling
Thinking individual brilliance is better than team play - reinforce collaboration
Believing you can't improve if you're not naturally talented - emphasise effort and practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback on performance

dyspraxia

Simplified rules initially, larger goal areas, extra practice time, focus on enjoyment over precision

autism spectrum

Clear game structure explanation, visual schedule of tournament format, quiet zones available, consistent rules application

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, verbal description of play, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for game situations

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, hand signals for communication, written rule reminders, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified rules for wheelchair users, side channels for alternative participation, adapted scoring methods, peer support roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, team communication skills, evaluation and analysis language

Science

Understanding energy systems, fatigue effects, recovery importance, teamwork dynamics

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership roles, handling competition pressure, resilience, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between multiple games for maximum visibility, rotate between games for close observation

Observation Focus

Integration of skills, team communication, fair play, implementation of learning from previous lessons

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarification, skill coaching moments, conflict resolution, safety concerns

Demonstration Notes

Be ready to demonstrate any skill that needs reinforcement, show positive examples of team play and communication

Verbal Cues

•'Use your skills from practice!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Show me your passing on the move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 30m x 40m for multiple 5v5 games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for debris or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during games
•Fatigue from continuous play
•Overcompetitive behaviour
•Ball strikes to face/body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries and adequate spacing
•No-contact rule strictly enforced
•Regular rotation and rest periods
•Teacher supervision of all games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all games simultaneously
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Watch for rule infractions and unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed