Lesson 5 - Routes & Communication
Teamwork & Tactics
•Year 5
•Flag Football
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How can effective communication and route running create successful attacking strategies in Flag Football?
Learning Objectives
- To develop proficiency in running different types of routes (straight, slant, hook)
- To improve catching skills whilst maintaining running momentum
- To create and execute attacking strategies through effective team communication
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate three different route patterns with accurate timing
- Students will catch passes whilst running without breaking stride
- Students will communicate tactical plans effectively within time constraints
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all flags are securely attached before activity
Alternative: Tag rugby belts, velcro belts
Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for year group
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs for safety
Use bright colours for clear field marking
Alternative: Flat markers, witches hats
Include board markers and erasers
Alternative: Large paper sheets, clipboards
Ensure devices are charged and memory cleared
Alternative: Smartphones, video cameras
Key Vocabulary
The player who throws the ball to start each play
Player who receives handoffs and short passes behind the line of scrimmage
A quick diagonal cut towards the centre of the field after running straight
Running straight then turning back towards the quarterback
The imaginary line where each play begins
One of the attempts a team has to advance the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and throwing techniques
- Understanding of Flag Football basic rules
- Experience with simple route running
Current Skills
- Advanced route running patterns
- Catching whilst in motion
- Strategic planning and communication
Next Steps
- Complex offensive formations
- Reading defensive patterns
- Advanced tactical decision-making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Route precision is more important than speed - accuracy first, then pace
- Communication under pressure requires practice - start slow and build intensity
- Catching 'soft hands' technique prevents drops and injuries
- Timing between quarterback and receiver is crucial for success
- Strategic thinking improves through trial, error, and reflection
- Team roles are fluid - everyone should experience different positions
- Video analysis provides powerful feedback for skill improvement
Common Misconceptions
- Faster always means better - emphasise control and accuracy over speed
- Complicated plays are better - simple, well-executed plays are more effective
- Only athletic students can succeed - strategic thinking and communication are equally valuable
- Dropped balls are failures - they're learning opportunities requiring analysis
- Individual skills matter most - team communication and cooperation are essential
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement between roles
dyspraxia
- Simplified route patterns, extra practice time, larger catching targets
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual play cards, quiet planning spaces available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal route descriptions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for plays, written strategy boards, clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Modified routes for wheelchair users, seated throwing positions, adapted flag pulling techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear verbal communication, listening skills, instruction following, vocabulary development
Science
Forces and motion in throwing and catching, angles and trajectory, body systems during exercise
Computing
Video analysis of performance, digital recording and playback, data collection for improvement
Mathematics
Calculating angles for route running, timing and rhythm for play execution, spatial awareness and geometry
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when strategies don't work, respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice areas to observe all groups, position near centre for whole-class instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for route precision, catching technique, and quality of team communication
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, when groups struggle with strategy, or when communication breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating routes, always face students when explaining, use student volunteers to help demonstrate
Verbal Cues
- •'Sharp cuts, not curves!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Quick decisions!'
- •'Communicate clearly!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m field with clear boundaries and adequate run-off areas
Surface Check
Level grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris, or hazardous objects
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all flag belts for secure attachment and no sharp edges
- •Ensure footballs are appropriate size and properly inflated
- •Verify all cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between players during route running
- •Slips and falls during cutting movements
- •Eye injuries from thrown balls
- •Flag belt injuries from rough pulling
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing requirements between practice areas
- •Proper warm-up before explosive movements
- •Teaching safe flag removal techniques
- •Controlled throwing distances based on skill level
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all practice areas simultaneously
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue affecting safety
- •Watch for rough play during competitive elements
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required