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Lesson 1 - Javelin Pass and Movement 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 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

Flag Footballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs for less able students

Tag Belts

1 set per student (30 belts, 60 tags)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands if tag belts unavailable

Cones

20-30

Use to mark playing areas, end zones, and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Tablets

Ensure sufficient storage and battery for recording

Alternative: Smartphone for recording assessment evidence

Key Vocabulary

Javelin pass

An overarm throwing technique where the ball is released with fingers pointing toward the target

Ready position

Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, hands ready to receive

Pass and move

Strategy where the passer immediately moves to a new position after releasing the ball

Attacking

When your team has possession and is trying to score

Defending

When your team doesn't have possession and is trying to prevent scoring

Target area

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

Consistent accurate passes over varying distances

Automatic movement after passing

Effective communication during gameplay

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