Lesson 1 - Javelin Pass and Movement Skills
Advanced Tactics in Flag Football
•Year 6
•Flag Football
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use accurate passing and intelligent movement to work effectively as a team in invasion games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate javelin passing technique with proper grip and stance
- To demonstrate effective pass and move strategies in game situations
- To understand and apply tactics when working alongside and against others
Key Outcomes
- Students will accurately send the ball using javelin pass technique
- Students will move to new spaces after passing to support team play
- Students will demonstrate understanding of attacking and defending principles
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and condition before lesson
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs for less able students
Distribute around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands if tag belts unavailable
Use to mark playing areas, end zones, and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries
Ensure sufficient storage and battery for recording
Alternative: Smartphone for recording assessment evidence
Key Vocabulary
An overarm throwing technique where the ball is released with fingers pointing toward the target
Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, hands ready to receive
Strategy where the passer immediately moves to a new position after releasing the ball
When your team has possession and is trying to score
When your team doesn't have possession and is trying to prevent scoring
The space behind the defending team where attacking players aim to get the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing technique
- Understanding of team games and rules
- Experience with invasion game concepts
Current Skills
- Javelin pass grip and technique
- Pass and move strategies
- Attacking and defending principles
Next Steps
- Advanced passing under defensive pressure
- Complex team formations and plays
- Full flag football game understanding
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Javelin pass grip with ring and little fingers crossing laces, thumb underneath
- Sideways stance for throwing with step-through action for power and accuracy
- Ready position with weight on balls of feet and hands forming chest-high target
- Pass and move principle - immediately find new space after releasing ball
- Defensive body positioning allowing visual contact with both ball and opponent
- Team communication through signaling rather than shouting to avoid giving away intentions
- Accurate passing under pressure more valuable than distance or power
Common Misconceptions
- Gripping ball too tightly or in wrong position - demonstrate relaxed but secure grip
- Facing target straight on instead of sideways - emphasise javelin thrower position
- Throwing with arm only instead of using whole body - show step-through action
- Standing still after passing instead of moving - reinforce pass and move concept
- Focusing only on ball or only on opponent when defending - teach dual awareness
- Shouting for ball instead of using signals - explain tactical advantages of quiet communication
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, fidget tools if needed
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time for motor skills
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule, quiet zones available, sensory break options
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of play, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, modified catching positions, adapted equipment and distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, describing tactics and strategies
Maths
Counting passes and points, measuring distances, calculating team scores, angles of throwing trajectory
Science
Forces in throwing action, trajectory and gravity effects, body systems during exercise and recovery
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding of zones and territories
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activities for optimal viewing, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip and throwing technique, note tactical understanding in game situations
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic grip, safety concerns, or conflict resolution needed
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use slow motion for technique, emphasise key body positions, repeat demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Ring and little finger over laces!'
- •'Step through with opposite foot!'
- •'Pass and move to new space!'
- •'Ready position - weight forward!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for game activities, additional space for multiple practice areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check flag footballs are properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Ensure tag belts are in good condition with secure fastenings
- •Cones positioned safely away from active playing areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tag activities
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Adequate spacing between groups during throwing practice
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas closely during tag and game activities
- •Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and safety
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate physical contact levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required