Lesson 5 - Tactics & Team Management
Mastery in Individual & Team Play
•Year 6
•Football
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How can we create and apply tactical formations to win football matches like professional teams?
Learning Objectives
- To create, organise and apply formations when attacking and defending in game situations
- To understand team management skills including player selection and tactical decisions
- To officiate games fairly whilst understanding and applying football rules consistently
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate refined understanding of passing, dribbling and moving to score against opposition teams
- Students will switch fluidly between attacking and defending as possession changes during gameplay
- Students will successfully manage teams, communicate tactics and officiate matches with confidence
Equipment & Resources Required
One ball positioned at centre circle of each mini pitch for kick-offs
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for easier control, bean bags for initial tactical demonstrations
Used to create mini pitch boundaries, goals and positional markers for formations
Alternative: Spot markers, flat markers
Position goals approximately 20-25m apart on each mini pitch
Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide, basketball posts, marked areas on walls
Distribute to distinguish teams clearly during matches
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured t-shirts
Given to student referees for each match area
Alternative: Hand signals only, voice commands
For managers to plan and explain formations to their teams
Alternative: Clipboards with pitch diagrams, ground markings with chalk
Key Vocabulary
The organised positioning of players on the field, such as 3-2-1 or 2-3-1
Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage in attack or defence
The person responsible for selecting team formation, tactics and motivating players
To act as referee, ensuring fair play and applying rules consistently
When a team has control of the ball and is able to make decisions about play
Defending by staying close to an opposition player to prevent them receiving the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic football skills including passing, dribbling and shooting from Units 1-2
- Understanding of simple attacking and defending principles
- Experience of small-sided games with basic positional awareness
Current Skills
- Advanced tactical understanding including formations and role responsibilities
- Team management skills including player selection and tactical communication
- Officiating skills with confident rule application and match management
Next Steps
- Leading and coaching other students in football skills and tactics
- Creating innovative tactical solutions for different match scenarios
- Developing advanced officiating skills for competitive school fixtures
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Formations provide structure but must adapt fluidly as play develops during matches
- Effective team management combines clear tactical instruction with positive motivational communication
- Successful teams transition quickly between attacking and defending phases based on possession changes
- Referees develop confidence through consistent rule application and clear decision-making signals
- Player positioning within formations should be based on individual strengths and tactical requirements
- Tactical success comes from team coordination rather than individual brilliance alone
- Professional football examples help students understand advanced tactical concepts and their practical applications
Common Misconceptions
- Formations are rigid and players must never leave their positions - explain fluid movement and positional flexibility
- The best players should always be attackers - discuss importance of strong defensive players and tactical balance
- Tactics only matter for professional teams - emphasise how tactics improve any level of football
- Managers should give constant instructions during play - explain when to coach and when to let teams play
- Referees are there to spoil the game - help students understand officiating enables fair play and enjoyment
- Complicated tactics are always better - demonstrate effectiveness of simple, well-executed tactical plans
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular position changes and active roles, clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive feedback and tactical challenges
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier control, simplified formations initially, extra practice time for tactical understanding, peer support systems
autism spectrum
- Clear structured roles and responsibilities, predictable routine with formation practice before matches, quiet zones for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of tactical demonstrations, buddy system with sighted teammates
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and hand gestures for tactical instructions, written tactical boards for complex formations, clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapt roles to include tactical advisor or assistant manager positions, modified rules for wheelchair users, seated coaching opportunities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills for managers and referees, vocabulary development for tactical language, persuasive speaking when motivating teams
Science
Forces and motion in ball movement, fitness and cardiovascular responses during matches, teamwork as collaborative investigation
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping, directions and positioning, global football cultures and World Cup geography
PSHE
Leadership development and responsibility, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when tactics don't work as planned
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing observation of all mini pitches, mobile to provide support to managers and referees as needed
Observation Focus
Tactical application, manager effectiveness, referee development, team cooperation and competitive spirit
Intervention Points
Step in if tactics are not being applied, managers need support with team management, or referees require decision-making assistance
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Clear tactical concepts using students or cones, positive management techniques, confident referee signals and positioning
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your formation!'
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
- •'Support your manager's decisions!'
- •'Referees, confident decisions please!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple mini pitches, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Level playing surface free from holes, debris or standing water that could cause slipping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify goals are stable and securely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Player collisions during competitive matches
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
- •Ball strikes to head or body during play
- •Overexertion during extended match periods
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear pitch boundaries established with adequate spacing between games
- •Referee authority established to manage physical contact and fair play
- •Regular hydration breaks, especially during warm weather
- •Progressive skill building leading to match application
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all mini pitches simultaneously
- •Monitor referee decision-making and provide support when needed
- •Watch for fatigue levels during extended competitive play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with clear whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as required