Lesson 1 - Javelin Pass & Movement
Teamwork & Tactics
•Year 5
•Flag Football
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How can accurate passing and smart movement help us work as a team in attack and defence?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate javelin passing technique using correct grip and body position
- To improve movement skills by passing and moving to new spaces
- To understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved javelin passing accuracy with correct grip
- Students will show effective movement patterns after passing
- Students will apply tactical understanding in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls for beginners
Two flags per belt, positioned on hips
Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, strips of fabric
Mark boundaries and zones clearly
Alternative: Markers, spots
Contrast colours for team identification
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
An overarm throwing technique using one hand, similar to throwing a javelin
Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, ready to move quickly
A belt worn around the waist with detachable flags used in flag football
Tactical strategy where you pass the ball then immediately move to a new position
Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a forward motion
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Experience with simple team games
Current Skills
- Javelin pass grip and technique
- Pass and move strategies
- Tactical awareness in attack and defence
Next Steps
- Advanced passing under pressure
- Complex team strategies
- Leadership in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Javelin pass requires ring and little fingers crossing laces with thumb underneath for secure grip
- Sideways stance generates more power and accuracy than facing the target directly
- Ready position with weight on balls of feet enables quick movement in any direction
- Pass and move strategy prevents static play and creates space for teammates
- Signaling rather than shouting prevents opponents from intercepting passes
- Defenders must position to see both ball and opponent for effective marking
- Fair play and respect for rules creates enjoyable experience for everyone
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking stronger throwing always means better accuracy - technique is more important than force
- Believing you should always face your target when throwing - sideways stance provides more power
- Assuming catching with one hand is better - two hands provide more security and control
- Thinking you can guard your tag belt with hands - this defeats the purpose of the activity
- Believing shouting for the ball is good communication - signaling is more tactical and effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with variety, clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment to aid coordination, reduced complexity of movements initially, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure with visual schedule, defined personal spaces, quiet zone available, consistent rules and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system with sighted partner for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all skills, written instruction cards available, clear hand signals for communication, ensure face-to-face instruction
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching options, modified distances, alternative equipment like larger or lighter balls, adapted tag belt positions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using specific vocabulary correctly, communication through signals
Maths
Counting passes accurately, measuring distances between players, calculating scores and time intervals
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory of ball flight, body mechanics in movement
Geography
Spatial awareness, direction and movement around area, understanding of zones and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and respect for others, dealing with winning and losing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of activity area for visibility of all students, move to support individual groups as needed
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip formation, throwing technique, spatial awareness, and fair play in games
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with technique, unsafe behaviour observed, or game rules being ignored
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use students to help demonstrate when possible. Emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements.
Verbal Cues
- •'Ring finger and little finger across the laces!'
- •'Sideways stance for power!'
- •'Signal don't shout for the ball!'
- •'Ready position - weight on toes!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall
Surface Check
Level surface free from holes, wet patches, or loose objects
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Flag footballs properly inflated and undamaged
- •Tag belts checked for secure fastenings
- •Cones positioned safely without sharp edges
- •No damaged or broken equipment in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during tag games
- •Ball strikes to head or body during passing
- •Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
- •Entanglement or pulling with tag belts
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Adequate spacing between groups during activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Regular safety reminders about awareness of others
- •Emergency stop signal established and practiced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas closely
- •Circulate to check individual technique and safety
- •Ensure clear sightlines across all activity zones
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required