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Lesson 4 - Football Formations

Mastery in Individual & Team Play

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

How can we create and execute effective attacking and defending formations to outplay our opponents?

Learning Objectives

Create, organise and apply formations when defending and attacking in game situations
Learn how to manage teams by selecting players for specific positions based on skills and attributes
Consolidate understanding of attacking and defending tactics through strategic play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined understanding of passing, dribbling and moving to score against opponents
Students will switch fluidly between attacking and defending as possession changes
Students will create effective attacking and defending tactics and apply them in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

6-8 balls

One ball per game plus spares for when balls go out of play

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, soft-touch footballs for less confident students

Goals

4-6 small goals or targets

Position goals 20-30 metres apart depending on space available

Alternative: Cones as goalposts, playground markings, bench goals

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark pitch boundaries, goals and formation positions

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

14 bibs (2 sets of 7)

Clearly distinguish teams and identify managers

Alternative: Different coloured tops, team bands, numbered bibs

Clipboards

2-3 clipboards

For managers to plan tactics and record observations

Alternative: Whiteboards, tactical boards, paper sheets

Stopwatch

Track game time and half-time intervals

Alternative: Phone timer, whistle for time signals

Key Vocabulary

Formation

The way players are positioned and organised on the field

Tactics

Planned strategies to achieve success in attack or defence

Possession

When a team has control of the ball

Transition

The moment when a team switches from attacking to defending or vice versa

Attributes

The skills and qualities needed for different positions

Manager

The person responsible for team selection, formation and tactical decisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing, dribbling and shooting techniques
Understanding of simple attacking and defending concepts
Experience playing small-sided football games
Knowledge of basic positions in football

Current Skills

Creating and implementing tactical formations
Team management and player selection
Advanced attacking and defending strategies
Fluid transitions between attack and defence

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and adaptations
Leadership skills in competitive situations
Analysis and evaluation of opponent tactics
Development of specialised positional skills

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently execute planned tactics in game situations

Teams demonstrate organised formations in attack and defence

Managers make effective tactical decisions during games

Players adapt their role based on game situations

Key Teaching Points

Formations provide structure but must be flexible based on game situations
Manager communication should always be positive and encouraging to build team confidence
Tactical understanding develops through practice - allow time for concepts to develop
Different players suit different positions based on their individual strengths and attributes
Quick transitions between attack and defence are crucial for tactical success
Team cooperation is more important than individual technical ability in tactical games
Managers must observe carefully and make decisions based on evidence from the game

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Formations never change during a game' - Correction: Good teams adapt formations based on game situations
Misconception: 'The best technical players should always be attackers' - Correction: Different positions require different attributes
Misconception: 'Managers should constantly shout instructions' - Correction: Quality guidance at key moments is more effective
Misconception: 'Tactics only matter for advanced players' - Correction: Basic tactical understanding benefits all players
Misconception: 'Individual skills don't matter in tactical games' - Correction: Tactics work best when combined with good technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments with frequent breaks, clear manager role with specific responsibilities, movement breaks between tactical phases

dyspraxia

Simplified formation patterns initially, extra practice time for positional changes, visual formation guides and supports

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson phases, consistent manager partnerships, quiet planning zones available for tactical discussions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal tactical descriptions, buddy system with sighted partners for formations

hearing impairment

Visual formation cards for managers, hand signals for tactical changes, written tactical plans on clipboards

physical disability

Modified manager role focusing on tactical planning, adapted formations for wheelchair users, reduced pitch sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills for managers, vocabulary development through tactical terms, presenting tactical ideas clearly

Maths

Calculating team formations, measuring pitch dimensions, timing game segments, analysing tactical statistics

Science

Understanding forces in passing and shooting, teamwork as system interactions, energy transfer during play

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of field layout and directions, mapping tactical movements

PSHE

Leadership skills, team cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respect for different abilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing supervision of all games, move between groups to support managers and provide guidance

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, team cooperation, positive leadership from managers, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if manager guidance becomes negative, support struggling teams with tactical suggestions, manage any conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear formation shapes using students as examples, model positive manager communication, show tactical concepts visually

Verbal Cues

•'Managers, remember positive encouragement!'
•'Look for the space in your formation!'
•'Quick transition - attack to defence!'
•'Use your tactical plan!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for multiple 6v6 games, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from holes, debris and dangerous objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure goals are stable and safely positioned
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Check bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during intense tactical games
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to players or managers
•Overexertion during prolonged game play

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear pitch boundaries to prevent collisions between games
•Ensure adequate space between simultaneous matches
•Manager positions chosen for safety and optimal viewing
•Progressive intensity building through lesson structure
•Regular hydration breaks during extended game play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all games simultaneously
•Monitor manager areas for safety and appropriate behaviour
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion in players
•Ensure substituted players remain engaged and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school procedures if required