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Lesson 5 - Hook and Slant Running Patterns

Advanced Tactics in Flag Football

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Year 6

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Flag Football

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1h 2min

Big Question

How can we use deceptive running patterns to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm throwing accuracy using correct technique
To master hook and slant running patterns for attacking play
To understand positional roles and responsibilities in flag football

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate overarm throwing using sideways-on stance
Students will execute hook and slant runs with sharp changes of direction
Students will work effectively in attack and defence showing tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Distributed before warm-up, ensure proper fit around waist

Alternative: Velcro belts, coloured bands

Flag Footballs

12 (3 per team for Strike It activity)

Smaller than regular footballs, easier to grip and throw accurately

Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls

Large Target Ball

Placed in centre of square for Strike It activity

Alternative: Basketball, volleyball, large foam ball

Cones

Mark boundaries, running pattern points, and line of scrimmage

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

Bibs

15 (3 colours × 5)

Different colours for each team in 5v5 gameplay

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Quarterback

The player who throws the ball to teammates during attacking plays

Hook Run

A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then turns back toward the quarterback

Slant Run

A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then cuts at 45 degrees

Line of Scrimmage

The imaginary line where each play begins, marking where the ball was when the previous play ended

Down

An attempt to advance the ball toward the end zone

Wide Receiver

Players who run patterns to catch passes from the quarterback

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of tag belt rules and safety
Simple running and catching skills
Basic positional awareness in games

Current Skills

Advanced overarm throwing with accuracy
Deceptive running patterns (hook and slant)
Positional play understanding
Tactical communication in gameplay

Next Steps

Complex route combinations
Advanced defensive strategies
Leadership in tactical planning
Competitive gameplay with officiating

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throws over 10m distance

Sharp 90-degree direction changes in hook runs

Clear communication during attacking plays

Effective teamwork in 5v5 gameplay

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing requires sideways-on body position for maximum power and accuracy
Hook runs need complete stops before sharp 180-degree direction changes
Slant runs use precise 45-degree cuts while maintaining speed
Communication between quarterback and receivers is essential for successful plays
Effective teamwork requires clear positioning and supportive communication
Defence requires anticipation and working together to prevent scoring
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development

Common Misconceptions

Students may think facing the target directly gives better accuracy - emphasise sideways-on throwing stance
Some may believe gentle direction changes are safer - teach that sharp, controlled cuts are more effective and safer
Players might assume the quarterback should always throw immediately - explain timing and receiver pattern completion
Teams may think individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise collective success
Students might believe only the fastest players can be successful - highlight that technique and teamwork matter more

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear and immediate feedback, ensure high engagement levels throughout

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier success

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and expectations, offer quiet zones for breaks, use visual schedules for activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for communication, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations, provide written rule summaries

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and heights, allow seated or supported throwing positions, modify running patterns as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, calculating angles for slant runs, timing patterns, scoring and statistics

Science

Forces in throwing motion, biomechanics of direction changes, cardiovascular system response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to provide maximum supervision, position at corners during games for full field visibility

Observation Focus

Monitor throwing technique development, pattern execution quality, teamwork and communication effectiveness

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, provide technique reminders during practice, mediate any disputes during games

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key technique points for visibility, use students as positive examples, provide clear visual models of expectations

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways-on for power!'
•'Sharp direction changes!'
•'Communicate with your quarterback!'
•'Work together in attack and defence!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for full activities, additional space for multiple games

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts properly secured but not too tight
•Flag footballs appropriate size for Year 6 students
•Cones placed safely to avoid tripping hazards
•Regular equipment checks for wear and damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes and game play
•Overexertion from high-intensity activities
•Falls during sharp direction changes
•Tag belt entanglement or improper removal

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Proper warm-up and controlled direction change practice
•Constant supervision and immediate response to safety concerns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue and provide rest periods
•Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, send for additional help if needed