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Lesson 7 - Defensive Strategies and Systems

Advanced Tactics in Flag Football

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Year 6

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can we work together as a defensive unit to prevent the opposition from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply man-to-man and zonal defensive systems
To work collaboratively to adopt effective defensive strategies
To demonstrate knowledge of flag football rules including line of scrimmage and pitch markings

Key Outcomes

Students will execute both man-to-man and zonal defensive systems effectively
Students will communicate and coordinate as a defensive unit
Students will make tactical decisions about which defensive system to use

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check belts are properly secured and flags are easily removable

Alternative: Fabric strips or bibs tucked into waistbands

Gaelic Footballs

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are appropriate size for Year 6 hands

Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs for safety

Cones

22 cones

Use for marking zones, boundaries and line of scrimmage

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 of each colour

Clearly distinguish teams and positions during practice

Alternative: Team bands or different coloured t-shirts

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For filming tactical plays and assessment evidence

Alternative: Smartphone for video analysis

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man defence

A defensive system where each defender is assigned to mark a specific offensive player

Zonal defence

A defensive system where defenders are responsible for a specific area of the field rather than individual players

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where the ball is placed at the start of each play

Downs

The number of attempts a team has to advance the ball a certain distance

Quarterback

The player who throws or hands off the ball to start offensive plays

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic flag removal techniques
Understanding of offensive plays and positions
Knowledge of basic flag football rules and field positions

Current Skills

Man-to-man defensive marking
Zonal defensive positioning
Defensive communication and coordination
Tactical decision-making in defensive systems

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations
Blitz techniques and rush strategies
Reading offensive formations and adjusting defence accordingly

Milestone Indicators

Maintains disciplined marking for extended periods

Communicates effectively with defensive teammates

Makes appropriate defensive system choices based on game situation

Key Teaching Points

Man-to-man defence requires discipline and concentration on assigned player
Zonal defence demands excellent communication and peripheral awareness
Line of scrimmage creates neutral zone that neither team can enter early
Quick tactical decisions between plays develop game intelligence
Both defensive systems have advantages depending on game situation
Clear communication prevents defensive breakdowns and confusion
Application of skills under pressure demonstrates true learning

Common Misconceptions

That one defensive system is always better than the other - correct by showing situational advantages
That defenders can move before the ball is snapped - reinforce neutral zone rules
That all defenders should chase the ball carrier - emphasise system discipline
That communication isn't important if everyone knows their job - demonstrate breakdown scenarios
That physical size determines defensive success - highlight technique and positioning importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, regular movement and position changes

dyspraxia

Simplified defensive movements, extended practice time, peer support for complex skills

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual cues for defensive systems, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use high-contrast cones and markers, verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game rules, written tactical instructions, clear hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modified field size, adapted flag systems, alternative roles such as quarterback or tactical advisor

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial awareness, area calculation for zones, statistics from game performance data

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times in defensive responses

Geography

Field positioning, spatial relationships, tactical formations and patterns

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, resilience under pressure, honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during drills, central position during games for optimal supervision

Observation Focus

Watch defensive positioning, communication quality, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in when defensive systems break down, safety concerns arise, or tactical guidance needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show defensive positioning. Model excellent communication volume and clarity.

Verbal Cues

•'Stay disciplined with your marking!'
•'Communicate your zone handovers!'
•'Watch the ball but know your responsibility!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 20m field with clear boundaries and zones marked

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from debris and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Flag belts properly secured and regularly checked
•Footballs appropriate size and condition
•Cones stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during defence
•Trips over field markings
•Overenthusiastic contact during flag removal

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about legal contact
•Adequate spacing between activity groups
•Emphasis on controlled, skilful play
•Regular equipment safety checks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all defensive activities
•Monitor contact levels during game play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any contact injury, assess situation and provide appropriate first aid or medical support