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Big Question

How can accurate passing and smart movement help us dominate the game?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate javelin passing technique using proper grip and body position
  • To execute pass and move sequences effectively in game situations
  • To understand tactical positioning when working with and against opponents

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate consistent accuracy in javelin passes over 5+ metres
  • Students will execute coordinated passing and movement patterns in competitive scenarios
  • Students will apply tactical awareness when attacking and defending in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs
15 (1 per 2 students)

Check all balls are properly inflated and laces are intact

Alternative: Rugby balls, American footballs, or foam footballs

Tag Belts
60 (2 per student)

Ensure belts are adjustable and tags are securely attached

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands

Cones
20

Use to mark zones, boundaries, and safe areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Bibs
15 (for team identification)

Different colours for each team in game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or house colours

Key Vocabulary

Javelin pass

A one-handed overarm throw used in Flag Football

Ready position

Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly

Pass and move

Throwing the ball then immediately moving to a new position

Tracking

Keeping visual contact with both the ball and opponent

Grip

How to hold the Flag Football with ring and little fingers crossing laces

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic catching and throwing with a large ball
  • Understanding of simple game rules and fair play
  • Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

  • Javelin grip technique for Flag Football
  • Accurate passing with sideways-on body position
  • Pass and move sequences with tactical awareness
  • Defensive positioning and tracking skills

Next Steps

  • Advanced passing under defensive pressure
  • Complex team formations and set plays
  • Strategic game planning and leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent grip with fingers crossing laces
2
5+ consecutive accurate passes over distance
3
Effective movement to create and use space
4
Clear understanding of attacking and defending principles

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain correct Flag Football grip with fingers crossing laces throughout all activities
  • Emphasise sideways-on throwing position with opposite foot step for maximum accuracy
  • Develop ready position with weight on balls of feet for quick movement and effective catching
  • Promote pass and move sequences rather than static play patterns
  • Encourage signaling rather than shouting for better tactical communication
  • Focus on tracking skills - seeing both ball and opponent when defending
  • Build team tactics through structured progression from pairs to full games

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking grip strength is more important than finger placement - correct with light but controlled grip
  • Believing facing the target is better than sideways position - demonstrate accuracy improvements with proper stance
  • Assuming running with ball is faster than passing - show speed advantages of pass and move
  • Thinking shouting is more effective than signaling - explain tactical advantages of quiet communication
  • Believing only catching matters, not positioning - emphasise ready position and movement preparation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments with regular changes, clear physical boundaries, frequent positive feedback, leadership roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls initially, simplified grip instructions, extra practice time, visual cues for positioning and movement
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear visual schedules, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines, minimise sudden rule changes
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured Flag Footballs with contrasting tape, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, establish clear audio signals for games
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals and demonstrations, written rule cards, ensure clear sightlines for lip reading, buddy system for instructions
physical disability
  • Modify throwing distances, allow seated throwing positions, use lighter balls, provide mobility aid accommodations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills through signaling, descriptive language for tactics and techniques

Maths

Counting catches and scores, measuring distances for throwing, calculating team totals and averages, geometry of angles in throwing technique

Science

Forces in throwing - trajectory and power, friction between hand and ball grip, human body systems - cardiovascular response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping game strategies and field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and responsibility, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during activities to provide individual feedback, position at corner for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip technique, accurate passing, effective movement patterns, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, unsafe play occurs, or students show frustration or exclusion

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points like L-shape grip and sideways stance, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues
  • 'Fingers crossing laces!'
  • 'Sideways on, step and throw!'
  • 'Ready position - bouncing on toes!'
  • 'Signal don't shout!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall with high ceiling

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check Flag Footballs are properly inflated with no damage to laces
  • Ensure tag belts fit securely without being too tight
  • Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes to face during passing activities
  • Collisions during movement and tag games
  • Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
  • Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Establish clear throwing directions and safe zones
  • Maintain adequate spacing between groups (minimum 5 metres)
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
  • Clear rules about physical contact and fair play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
  • Monitor high-energy activities like tag games closely
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration in competitive situations
  • Ensure equal participation and positive interactions
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required