Lesson 4 - Attacking Patterns
Teamwork & Tactics
•Year 5
•Flag Football
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How can we use patterns of movement and communication to create attacking opportunities in Flag Football?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing accuracy and technique
- To understand and execute hook and slant running patterns
- To work effectively alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw overarm with improved accuracy using correct technique
- Students will demonstrate understanding of attacking patterns through hook and slant runs
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates during attacking and defensive phases
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distributed around activity area, ensure all have 2 flags attached
Alternative: Tag rugby belts, bandanas tied around waist
Place in centre of square formation for Strike It activity
Alternative: Medicine ball, large playground ball
Mark boundaries, running patterns, and field positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Ensure clear colour contrast for team identification
Alternative: Different coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height with arm extended
An attacking pattern where the receiver runs forward then turns back towards the quarterback
An attacking pattern where the receiver runs forward then cuts diagonally at 45 degrees
The player responsible for throwing the ball to receivers during attacking plays
Players who run patterns to receive passes from the quarterback
The imaginary line where each play begins, marking the position of the ball
One of the attempts a team has to advance the ball towards the touchdown zone
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing technique
- Understanding of Flag Football basic rules
- Experience working in teams during invasion games
Current Skills
- Accurate overarm throwing to targets
- Executing specific running patterns (hook and slant)
- Communicating effectively during attacking and defensive phases
Next Steps
- Combining multiple running patterns in game situations
- Advanced quarterback decision-making
- Complex defensive strategies and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing requires sideways stance, step forward with opposite foot, and follow through towards target
- Hook runs need fast initial forward movement followed by sharp 180-degree turn back towards quarterback
- Slant patterns require straight forward run then sharp 45-degree diagonal cut towards centre
- Team communication before each play is essential for successful pattern execution
- Safety in flag pulling - clean pulls only, no physical contact beyond flag removal
- Understanding field position and down system helps tactical decision-making
- Quality of movement and technique is more important than speed of execution
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you need to run as fast as possible without control - emphasise controlled, sharp movements
- Believing patterns must be run exactly the same every time - adapt to game situations
- Assuming the quarterback should throw immediately - timing and communication are key
- Missing the importance of non-throwing arm in accuracy - whole body coordination needed
- Focusing only on individual skill rather than team success - emphasise collective goals
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for coordination, larger equipment for easier handling, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear, structured routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available if needed, consistent language and cues
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all actions, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for direction changes
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for game rules
physical disability
- Modified running patterns with shorter distances, seated throwing options, adapted equipment size, adjusted game rules for participation
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, listening and responding, following complex instructions, team discussion and reflection
Maths
Calculating angles for slant runs (45 degrees), measuring distances for down system, counting scores and statistics
Science
Forces in throwing - trajectory and accuracy, body mechanics during direction changes, physics of ball flight
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping field positions, understanding of grid references on field
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership roles, emotional regulation during competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position at corner during games for full field view
Observation Focus
Watch for correct overarm technique, sharp direction changes in patterns, effective team communication
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe play, poor technique needs correction, or team communication breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques clearly, use students as examples when appropriate, ensure all can see demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance for throwing!'
- •'Sharp direction change!'
- •'Communicate with your quarterback!'
- •'Use your patterns!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or full sports hall for multiple activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check flag belts are adjustable and not too tight
- •Ensure flag footballs are properly inflated and suitable for age group
- •Confirm cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during direction changes
- •Falls during rapid direction changes
- •Inappropriate flag pulling technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate space between groups
- •Progressive skill building from individual to game application
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and safe flag pulling
- •Proper warm-up to prepare for direction changes
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game application
- •Watch for safe execution of running patterns
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, follow school emergency protocols