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Lesson 3 - Hand-offs and Evasion

Teamwork & Tactics

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Year 5

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can precise hand-offs and quick evasive movements help us outmanoeuvre opponents in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

Develop secure hand-off technique between quarterback and running back
Master evasive footwork including feints and sidesteps
Apply tactical decision-making in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

All students will demonstrate basic hand-off receiving position
Most students will execute feints and evasive movements with control
Some students will combine multiple skills fluently in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

2 per student (60 total)

Check all clips work properly, have spares available

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, coloured bands

Rugby Balls

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Ensure proper inflation, suitable size for Year 5 hands

Alternative: Tennis balls for smaller hands, foam balls for safety

Cones

Mark boundaries, defensive zones, and practice areas clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, existing court markings

Coloured flags or balls

20 (2 colours)

Place behind defensive lines for invasion game

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured cones, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Hand-off

The transfer of the ball from quarterback to running back

Pocket

The arm position created by running back to receive the ball safely

Feint

A deceptive movement to mislead the opponent about your intended direction

Running Back

The player who receives the ball from the quarterback and runs with it

Quarterback

The player who initiates play by handing off or throwing the ball

Sidestep

A quick lateral movement to avoid an opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping safely
Simple ball catching and carrying
Understanding of team games and rules

Current Skills

Creating proper hand-off receiving position
Executing controlled evasive footwork
Applying skills under game pressure

Next Steps

Combining hand-offs with complex running patterns
Advanced tactical play calling
Flag football tournament application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent pocket formation for hand-offs

Quick weight transfer during evasive movements

Confident application of skills in game pressure

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise secure hand-off technique with proper pocket formation throughout lesson
Focus on convincing feints using full body weight shift before direction changes
Reinforce safe flag pulling technique to prevent injuries and equipment damage
Encourage tactical thinking and team communication during game situations
Connect evasion skills from practice activities to competitive game applications
Maintain high expectations for fair play and positive sportsmanship
Use questioning to develop students' tactical understanding and decision-making

Common Misconceptions

That hand-offs should be thrown rather than placed - correct by emphasising gentle placement
That louder feints are better - teach that convincing body movement is more effective than noise
That individual skill is more important than team strategy - emphasise tactical cooperation
That faster always means better - focus on controlled, accurate technique first
That being tagged means failure - reframe as learning opportunity and reset chance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear breaks, specific roles and responsibilities, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for motor skills, simplified movement patterns initially, step-by-step skill breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet reflection zones available when needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written tactical planning sheets

physical disability

Modified flag positions for wheelchair users, adapted hand-off heights, alternative evasion techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development of sports terminology, communication skills during team planning

Maths

Calculating team scores, measuring distances for games, angles of movement during evasion

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, friction between shoes and surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of field positions, directions and orientations during play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to ensure clear sight lines to all students, position near central areas during simultaneous activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand-off technique, safe evasion movements, fair play and positive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if flag pulling becomes rough, technique errors persist, or tactical discussions become unproductive

Demonstration Notes

Use student volunteers for demonstrations when possible, exaggerate movements for visual clarity, repeat key demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'High elbow, low pocket!' for hand-off positioning
•'Lean and explode!' for convincing feints
•'Safe hands, quick feet!' for ball security and movement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, ideally marked court or field area

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris or hazardous markings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Flag belts checked for secure clips that release safely
•Balls properly inflated and appropriate size for Year 5 students
•Cones stable and visible, no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during simultaneous running activities
•Tripping over equipment or uneven surfaces
•Rough flag pulling causing injuries or equipment damage
•Overexertion in competitive game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and running lanes established with cones
•Progressive build-up from controlled to competitive activities
•Emphasis on fair flag pulling technique throughout
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe central meeting areas during Run the Line
•Monitor game intensity and intervene if play becomes too rough
•Watch for students showing signs of fatigue or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as appropriate, seek additional help if needed