Lesson 4 - Hand-offs and Evasion Skills
Advanced Tactics in Flag Football
•Year 6
•Flag Football
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use deception and teamwork to outmaneuver opponents in invasion games?
Learning Objectives
- To receive hand-offs securely using correct body positioning
- To evade opponents using step-off movements and feinting techniques
- To apply tactical strategies effectively in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate secure hand-off reception with correct 'pocket' formation
- Students will show effective evasion skills using body feints and quick direction changes
- Students will apply learned skills strategically in competitive game scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Touch rugby tags, coloured bands
Stored behind each team's defensive line
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs
Mark out court boundaries and defensive zones
Alternative: Markers, spots
Distinguish teams during game activities
Alternative: Different coloured tag belts
Key Vocabulary
The transfer of the ball from quarterback to running back using correct positioning
Creating a secure cradle with arms to receive the ball during hand-off
Deceptive body movement designed to mislead opponents about intended direction
Quick directional change using both feet to evade opponents
Planned approach to achieve objectives in competitive situations
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and catching skills
- Understanding of tag rules and safety
- Simple invasion game concepts
Current Skills
- Secure hand-off reception technique
- Evasion using body feints and stepping
- Tactical application in competitive scenarios
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques under pressure
- Complex tactical formations and plays
- Leadership roles in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Pocket formation is crucial - high elbow nearest quarterback, secure pocket created with opposite arm
- Feinting must be convincing - full body commitment to fake direction before explosive real movement
- Ball security is paramount - secure the ball before any evasive movement begins
- Tactical thinking develops through experience - give time for strategy discussion and review
- Safe tagging technique - controlled contact to remove tags only, no pushing or grabbing
- Progressive skill building - master static skills before adding pressure and speed
- Team communication is essential - encourage vocal leadership and tactical discussion
Common Misconceptions
- Hand-offs are just throwing - correct with emphasis on placement into secure pocket
- Feinting is just moving side to side - show need for convincing body commitment
- Faster always means better - emphasise technique quality over pure speed
- Defence means standing still - teach active positioning and anticipation
- Individual brilliance wins games - reinforce teamwork and tactical planning
- Tags can be grabbed aggressively - reinforce controlled, safe removal technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear movement boundaries, regular check-ins, leadership roles for focus
dyspraxia
- Slower initial practice, larger equipment, reduced complexity initially, extra demonstration time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine cards, designated quiet zones, predictable team formations, extra processing time
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, hand signals for game communication
physical disability
- Seated hand-off practice, modified evasion using wheelchair skills, adapted court size and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication in tactical discussions, describing movement patterns, giving instructions
Maths
Measuring distances for hand-offs, calculating success rates, analysing tactical formations geometrically
Science
Understanding forces in direction changes, momentum in evasion, body mechanics in feinting
Geography
Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding positional play
PSHE
Teamwork skills, resilience when tactics fail, leadership in strategic planning
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, safety compliance, and tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, significant technique errors, or tactical guidance needs
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'High elbow, secure pocket!'
- •'Sell the feint with your whole body!'
- •'Quick feet, safe hands!'
- •'Work together, think tactically!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, preferably sports hall or playground
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts are in good condition with secure fastenings
- •Ensure footballs are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during evasion activities
- •Tripping over equipment or boundaries
- •Aggressive tagging or contact
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and pathways established before activities
- •Emphasis on controlled contact for tag removal only
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
- •Adequate spacing maintained between groups
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during games
- •Monitor high-activity central areas during dodging drills
- •Ensure fair play and rule compliance throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, contact office for serious injuries