Lesson 3 - Overlap and Underlap
Tactical Mastery & Team Strategy
•Year 6
•Invasion Games
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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
One ball positioned with middle player in each group
Alternative: Size 4 balls for better control
Stored safely when not in use to prevent rolling
Alternative: Touch rugby balls or foam rugby balls
Ensure correct inflation for accurate bouncing
Alternative: Size 6 basketballs for better handling
Set 3m apart in lines 20m from starting positions
Alternative: Flat markers or spots
Clearly distinguish attacking and defending teams
Alternative: Different coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
Running around the outside of a teammate who has the ball to create an attacking option
Running inside or behind a teammate to create a different attacking angle
Creating more attackers than defenders in a specific area of play
Understanding when and where to move to create advantages for your team
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
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