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Lesson 3 - Overlap and Underlap

Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy

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Year 6

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

How can we use overlapping and underlapping runs to create overloads that break down defensive structures?

Learning Objectives

To develop tactical awareness through overlapping and underlapping movements
To understand when and how to create overloads in attacking situations
To demonstrate decision-making in creating space for teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to execute overlap and underlap runs effectively
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in attacking situations
Students will create overloads to beat defensive structures

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

10 (1 per group of 3)

One ball positioned with middle player in each group

Alternative: Size 4 balls for better control

Rugby Balls

10 (1 per group of 3)

Stored safely when not in use to prevent rolling

Alternative: Touch rugby balls or foam rugby balls

Basketball

10 (1 per group of 3)

Ensure correct inflation for accurate bouncing

Alternative: Size 6 basketballs for better handling

Cones

30 (6 per group for warm-up)

Set 3m apart in lines 20m from starting positions

Alternative: Flat markers or spots

Bibs

15 (for identifying different groups)

Clearly distinguish attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Different coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Overlap

Running around the outside of a teammate who has the ball to create an attacking option

Underlap

Running inside or behind a teammate to create a different attacking angle

Overload

Creating more attackers than defenders in a specific area of play

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to move to create advantages for your team

Check run

Slowing down or changing direction after passing to maintain support options

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and receiving skills
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Spatial awareness in game situations

Current Skills

Overlapping and underlapping movements
Creating numerical overloads
Tactical decision making in invasion games

Next Steps

Complex attacking patterns with multiple overloads
Counter-attacking strategies
Advanced positional play across different invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently creates overloads in practice situations

Demonstrates tactical awareness across different sports

Shows leadership in organising attacking movements

Key Teaching Points

Overlap runs should be timed after the pass, not during ball carrying
Communication is essential for successful overload creation
Tactical awareness develops through thinking, not just doing
The same tactical principles apply across different invasion games
Check runs maintain support options after passing
Wide positioning creates natural overlap opportunities
Overloads are about numerical advantage, not just extra players

Common Misconceptions

Thinking overlap runs should happen before receiving the ball - emphasise timing after pass
Believing tactics only work in one sport - demonstrate transfer across games
Assuming faster running automatically creates overloads - focus on timing and positioning
Thinking individual skill is more important than team tactics - balance both elements
Believing defenders can't read tactical movements - emphasise unpredictability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical concepts into smaller chunks, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear visual markers for positioning

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical movements initially, provide extra practice time for coordination, use peer support for movement guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules for activity rotations, offer quiet zone for regulation if needed, use consistent tactical terminology throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of tactical movements, assign sighted peer partners for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations of all tactical movements, establish hand signals for tactical concepts, provide written tactical instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt overlap runs to wheelchair movements or seated positions, modify distances for limited mobility, provide alternative tactical roles

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces and motion in change of direction, physics of ball flight in different sports, energy systems during tactical running

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positioning, field geography in different sports

PSHE

Leadership skills in tactical situations, cooperation and communication in team scenarios, resilience when tactical decisions don't succeed

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing clear sight lines to all three activity areas with ability to quickly reach any group

Observation Focus

Watch for timing of overlap runs, quality of tactical decision-making, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

["Step in when tactical concepts are misunderstood", "Intervene if safety concerns arise during crossing movements", "Support groups struggling with sport-specific techniques"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing overlap runs. Position yourself where all students can see. Use students who demonstrate good technique as models for others.

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the overload opportunity!'
•'Time your overlap run!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'
•'Think tactically, not just physically!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for three simultaneous activities

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface suitable for multi-directional movement and ball sports

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate spacing between activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during crossing runs in warm-up
•Contact between players during overlap movements
•Slips and falls during change of direction
•Ball strikes from multiple sports being used simultaneously

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive speed introduction during warm-up phase
•Clear communication protocols established
•Adequate spacing between all activity zones
•Controlled practice before game application
•Continuous monitoring of collision potential

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all three activity areas simultaneously
•Monitor crossing patterns during warm-up carefully
•Watch for fatigue affecting tactical decision-making
•Ensure safe ball handling across all sports

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained

Lesson 3 - Overlap and Underlap

How can we use overlapping and underlapping runs to create overloads that break down defensive structures?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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