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Lesson 8 - Football Tournament Application

Advanced Techniques & Tactics

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Year 6

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we apply all our football skills and knowledge of tactics to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To apply the rules and tactics learnt to play in a football tournament
To demonstrate leadership skills when refereeing and warming up teams
To evaluate performance and suggest improvements for tactical development

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply football skills under tournament pressure
Students will demonstrate fair play and respect for officials throughout competition
Students will work collaboratively to implement team tactics effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use for goal posts (4m wide) and pitch boundaries

Alternative: Markers, corner flags, or plastic bottles

Softballs

12 (4 per pitch)

Ensure proper inflation and distribute around pitches

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 footballs depending on age group

Team bibs

30 (6 different colours)

Assign different colours to each team for identification

Alternative: Coloured pinnies or team shirts

Score Sheets

1 per team captain

Provide clear scoring system and recording method

Alternative: Clipboard with paper, or digital scoreboard

Whistles

1 per referee (up to 3)

Teach proper whistle commands to student referees

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving several teams playing multiple games

Referee

The official who enforces rules and makes decisions during a game

Tactics

Strategic plans and formations used by teams to gain advantage

Fair Play

Playing honestly and respectfully according to the rules and spirit of the game

Sportsmanship

Showing respect, fairness, and grace whether winning or losing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic football skills: dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting
Understanding of simple tactics and positioning
Experience with small-sided games and basic rules

Current Skills

Application of all football skills under tournament pressure
Leadership in warming up teams and refereeing
Strategic thinking and tactical implementation

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding and game management
Coaching and mentoring other students
Transition to full 11-a-side football concepts

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill execution under competitive pressure

Effective leadership and communication during games

Fair play and respect demonstrated throughout tournament

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success is measured by character and effort, not just winning games
Referee decisions must be respected completely, even when disappointed with outcomes
Tactical discussions between games are crucial for team development and improvement
Fair play and sportsmanship are more important than individual or team success
Every student has something valuable to contribute, whether playing, refereeing, or supporting
Skills learned throughout the unit should be applied confidently under competitive pressure
Leadership opportunities exist for all students through captaincy, refereeing, and team support

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only the most skilled players deserve recognition - address by highlighting diverse contributions
Believing winning is the only measure of success - correct by celebrating effort and character development
Assuming referees can be argued with or their decisions questioned - reinforce referee authority and respect
Forgetting tactical planning when games become competitive - remind about strategy during pressure moments
Thinking tournament format is too complex for Year 6 - break down into simple game-by-game focus with clear rotation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter games with frequent breaks, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger/softer balls if needed, reduce pitch size for better success rate, provide extra time for tactical processing and decision-making

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament schedule and routine, designate quiet areas for breaks, use visual supports for tactical discussions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide audio cues for game flow, assign sighted buddy for referee support when needed

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure referee uses hand signals alongside whistle, provide written tournament format cards

physical disability

Modify playing area size for wheelchair users, allow walking football adaptations, adjust goals for accessibility needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scorekeeping and points systems, time management during games, angles and positioning in tactical formations

Science

Understanding heart rate during competitive activity, forces in ball striking and movement, teamwork as scientific collaboration

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping team formations, understanding direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development, conflict resolution, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating diversity of contributions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all three tournament pitches, mobile to support referees and teams as needed

Observation Focus

Balance between skill application, tactical understanding, and character development throughout competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in if referee decisions are being disputed, if play becomes unsafe, or if sportsmanship standards drop

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship throughout, celebrate effort and character alongside skill, show enthusiasm for tactical problem-solving

Verbal Cues

•'Respect the referee!' when decisions are questioned
•'Play the ball, not the player!' for safe tackling
•'What's your next move?' to encourage tactical thinking

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large playing area (minimum 40m x 30m) to accommodate three simultaneous small-sided pitches

Surface Check

Dry, even playing surface free from obstacles and hazards, with clear boundaries marked

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are visible and won't cause trips if contacted
•Verify team bibs are in good repair without sharp edges or tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during competitive games
•Over-excitement leading to reckless challenges
•Disputes with referees causing emotional outbursts
•Fatigue from sustained tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between pitches to prevent inter-game collisions
•Regular reminders about fair play and safe tackling
•Teacher monitoring of referee confidence and player reactions
•Appropriate rest periods between games with tactical discussions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all three pitches simultaneously
•Monitor referee confidence and intervene supportively when needed
•Watch for signs of frustration or over-competitiveness

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal if serious injury, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with all teams about any incidents