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Lesson 5 - Tactics & Team Management

Mastery in Individual & Team Play

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Year 6

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Football

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1h 2min

Big Question

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

Softballs

7 (one per mini pitch)

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

Cones

40-50

Used to create mini pitch boundaries, goals and positional markers for formations

Alternative: Spot markers, flat markers

Goals

10 (4-6 mini pitches)

Position goals approximately 20-25m apart on each mini pitch

Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide, basketball posts, marked areas on walls

Coloured Bibs

30 (two colours - 15 each)

Distribute to distinguish teams clearly during matches

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured t-shirts

Whistles

4-6 (one per mini pitch)

Given to student referees for each match area

Alternative: Hand signals only, voice commands

Scoring Boards

5 (optional)

For managers to plan and explain formations to their teams

Alternative: Clipboards with pitch diagrams, ground markings with chalk

Key Vocabulary

Formation

The organised positioning of players on the field, such as 3-2-1 or 2-3-1

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage in attack or defence

Manager

The person responsible for selecting team formation, tactics and motivating players

Officiate

To act as referee, ensuring fair play and applying rules consistently

Possession

When a team has control of the ball and is able to make decisions about play

Marking

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

Students can explain their chosen formation and justify player positions

Teams adapt their tactics based on match situations and opposition play

Managers communicate effectively and motivate their teams positively

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