Lesson 5 - Hook and Slant Running Patterns
Advanced Tactics in Flag Football
•Year 6
•Flag Football
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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
Distributed before warm-up, ensure proper fit around waist
Alternative: Velcro belts, coloured bands
Smaller than regular footballs, easier to grip and throw accurately
Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls
Placed in centre of square for Strike It activity
Alternative: Basketball, volleyball, large foam ball
Mark boundaries, running pattern points, and line of scrimmage
Alternative: Markers, spot markers
Different colours for each team in 5v5 gameplay
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Key Vocabulary
The player who throws the ball to teammates during attacking plays
A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then turns back toward the quarterback
A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then cuts at 45 degrees
The imaginary line where each play begins, marking where the ball was when the previous play ended
An attempt to advance the ball toward the end zone
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
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