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Lesson 4 - Hand-offs and Evasion Skills

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 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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Touch rugby tags, coloured bands

Flag Footballs

15-20 (mixed colours if possible)

Stored behind each team's defensive line

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs

Cones

12-16

Mark out court boundaries and defensive zones

Alternative: Markers, spots

Bibs

15 (one colour)

Distinguish teams during game activities

Alternative: Different coloured tag belts

Key Vocabulary

Hand-off

The transfer of the ball from quarterback to running back using correct positioning

Pocket formation

Creating a secure cradle with arms to receive the ball during hand-off

Feinting

Deceptive body movement designed to mislead opponents about intended direction

Step-off

Quick directional change using both feet to evade opponents

Tactical strategy

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

Consistent hand-off success rate above 80%

Effective evasion leading to successful advances

Strategic thinking demonstrated in game analysis

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