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Lesson 6 - Level 1 Tournament

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 apply all our football skills in a competitive tournament to demonstrate tactical understanding and leadership?

Learning Objectives

To apply refined passing, dribbling and moving skills in competitive game situations
To demonstrate tactical understanding in both attacking and defending phases
To develop leadership and officiating skills through managing and refereeing games

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply technical skills under competitive pressure
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness and adapt strategies during games
Students will show leadership qualities as team managers and fair play as referees

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per game (4-6 balls total)

One ball per pitch, spare balls positioned around area

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, or size 3 for smaller students

Goals

2 per pitch (8-12 goals total)

Position goals approximately 20m apart on each pitch

Alternative: Portable goals, cones with crossbar, or marked areas

Cones

40-50 cones

Mark pitch boundaries and centre circles

Alternative: Markers, discs, or painted lines

Bibs

3 sets of different colours (36 bibs)

One colour per team, ensure clear contrast between teams

Alternative: Coloured shirts or bands

Whistles

1 per pitch (4-6 whistles)

Distribute to student referees before games begin

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Stopwatch

1 per pitch

Referees manage game timing

Alternative: Mobile phone timer or central timekeeper

Score Sheets

1 per team

Record wins, draws, losses and goal difference

Alternative: Simple paper and pen for tracking results

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other

Round Robin

A tournament format where every team plays every other team once

Formation

How players are positioned on the field during play

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to win games

Half-time

A break in the middle of a game for rest and tactical discussions

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and apply rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and receiving techniques
Dribbling with both feet and close control
Understanding of attacking and defending principles
Knowledge of football rules and positions

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Tactical decision-making in real game situations
Leadership and team management skills
Fair officiating and rule application

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and set pieces
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Inter-school competitions and tournaments
Specialist position development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill execution under pressure

Effective tactical communication during games

Fair and confident officiating decisions

Leadership qualities evident in team management

Key Teaching Points

Tournament format provides authentic context for applying all football skills learned
Role rotation (player, manager, referee) develops multiple perspectives and leadership skills
Tactical discussions at half-time encourage strategic thinking and team communication
Emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship throughout competitive situations
Assessment opportunities across Head (tactical understanding), Hands (skill application), Heart (leadership and character)
Celebration of effort and improvement alongside competitive results
Development of organisational and time management skills through tournament structure

Common Misconceptions

Tournament is only about winning - emphasise skill development and character growth
Only players contribute to success - highlight importance of managers and referees
Best players should always be managers - rotate roles to develop everyone's leadership
Tactics are too complex for this age - show how simple formations can be very effective
Referees just 'blow whistles' - explain crucial role in fair play and game management
Losing teams have failed - celebrate effort, improvement and good sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent role changes to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, structured responsibilities

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical concepts, extra practice time, focus on personal improvement rather than team performance, modified equipment if needed

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, quiet zones available, detailed explanation of tournament format, predictable role assignments

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and balls, verbal descriptions of game situations, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game management, written tactical instructions, designated visual communication system

physical disability

Modified roles (permanent manager/referee), smaller playing areas, adapted equipment, seated refereeing position

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in team discussions, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development for tactical concepts

Maths

Calculating tournament points, goal difference, percentages for win rates, time management during games

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding of formations and positioning, movement patterns and directions

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork, handling competition pressure, respect for authority (referees), managing emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all pitches, moving between games to monitor and support

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical application, skill consistency under pressure, leadership development, and fair play

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, support struggling referees, encourage tactical thinking, and maintain positive atmosphere

Demonstration Notes

Move between games highlighting excellent examples of tactical play, sportsmanship, and skill application to reinforce learning

Verbal Cues

•'Keep your formation!'
•'Support your teammates!'
•'Great tactical decision!'
•'Apply the skills we've practiced!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for multiple pitches, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for football with adequate grip and no hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check goals are stable and properly secured
•Ensure footballs are properly inflated
•Verify whistles are in working order
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Fatigue leading to increased injury risk
•Overexcitement affecting decision-making
•Multiple games creating monitoring challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between pitches
•Regular monitoring of all games simultaneously
•Referees briefed on safety as top priority
•Adequate rest periods between games
•Teacher positioned for overview of all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pitches simultaneously
•Monitor referee decision-making for safety issues
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Intervene immediately if dangerous play occurs

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and ensure other students remain safely supervised