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Lesson 5 - Routes & Communication

Teamwork & Tactics

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Year 5

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Flag Football

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1h 13min

Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all flags are securely attached before activity

Alternative: Tag rugby belts, velcro belts

Gaelic Footballs

6-8

Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for year group

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs for safety

Dish Cones

Use bright colours for clear field marking

Alternative: Flat markers, witches hats

Whiteboards

6 (1 per group)

Include board markers and erasers

Alternative: Large paper sheets, clipboards

Tablets

2-3

Ensure devices are charged and memory cleared

Alternative: Smartphones, video cameras

Key Vocabulary

Quarterback

The player who throws the ball to start each play

Running back

Player who receives handoffs and short passes behind the line of scrimmage

Slant route

A quick diagonal cut towards the centre of the field after running straight

Hook route

Running straight then turning back towards the quarterback

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where each play begins

Down

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

Smooth transition between different route types

Successful catches during full-speed running

Clear and effective tactical communication

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