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Lesson 5 - Advanced Strategy and Communication

Invasion Game Skills

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Year 7

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How do effective strategies and communication help teams work together to outsmart their opponents?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending using strategic thinking
Execute different types of running routes whilst receiving a ball on the move with control and precision
Develop and implement sophisticated attacking strategies through effective team communication

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate advanced tactical understanding in Flag Football
Students will execute complex passing plays with teammates using coded signals
Students will analyse and improve team performance through strategic discussion

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

6-8 balls

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Soft-touch rugby balls, foam footballs

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 sets)

Ensure all clips work and flags attach securely

Alternative: Touch rugby tags, coloured ribbons

Whiteboards

6 small boards

Include dry-wipe markers and erasers for each board

Alternative: Large paper sheets, tablet devices, sand/chalk boards

Dish Cones

20-30 markers

Use different colours for different field markings

Alternative: Rubber spots, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Video Device

1 tablet or camera

Ensure battery charged and sufficient storage space

Alternative: Smartphone with good video quality

Key Vocabulary

Quarterback

The player who throws the ball to start each play

Running Back

Player who receives hand-offs and short passes, often running with the ball

Hook Route

Running forward then turning back toward the quarterback to receive the ball

Slant Route

Short diagonal run across the field to receive a quick pass

Line of Scrimmage

The imaginary line where each play begins, dividing the teams

Down

An attempt to advance the ball; teams get limited downs to score

Coded Signals

Secret hand or verbal signals teams use to communicate plays

Tactical Talk

Brief team discussion between plays to adjust strategy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing techniques
Understanding of basic Flag Football rules
Experience working in teams during games

Current Skills

Strategic route running with timing
Team communication and coded signals
Tactical analysis and adaptation

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies
Complex multi-phase attacking plays
Leadership roles in competitive Flag Football

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching whilst running at pace

Clear tactical communication during pressure situations

Ability to adapt strategy based on opponent analysis

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that effective strategy requires excellent communication between all team members
Demonstrate that successful route running depends on precise timing between quarterback and receivers
Highlight how tactical discussions under pressure develop real-life problem-solving skills
Show that supporting teammates creates better team performance than individual brilliance
Reinforce that adapting strategies based on what's working develops flexible thinking
Model how analysing video footage helps identify specific areas for improvement
Stress that safe tag removal maintains the fun and inclusive nature of Flag Football

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Only fast students can be successful at Flag Football' - Correct by showing how smart route running and strategy beat pure speed
Misconception: 'Complicated plays are always better than simple ones' - Demonstrate that well-executed simple plays often work better than complex strategies
Misconception: 'The quarterback is the most important position' - Show how every position contributes equally to team success
Misconception: 'You need to throw the ball hard for success' - Emphasise that accurate, well-timed passes are more effective than power
Misconception: 'Strategy development is only for clever students' - Involve all students in creating plays and show that everyone has valuable tactical ideas

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with more frequent changes, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, simplified instruction chunks

dyspraxia

Slower introduction of complex routes, larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for coordination skills, simplified strategy options

social anxiety

Smaller group options available, non-competitive variants, leadership roles matched to comfort level, peer support encouraged

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines for transitions, advance warning of any changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and flags, provide detailed verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for field boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for communication, written strategy sheets, visual timer for activities

physical disability

Adapted routes for wheelchair users, modified tag systems, seated quarterback options, adjusted field sizes as needed

learning difficulties

Simplified language in instructions, buddy support system, visual aids for all concepts, reduced complexity in strategy development

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing communication skills through tactical discussions, expanding vocabulary with sport-specific terminology, presenting strategy ideas clearly

Maths

Calculating angles for route running, measuring field distances, timing and counting downs, analysing statistics from game performance

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, physics of motion during route running, biomechanics of efficient movement

Computing

Using video analysis technology, recording and reviewing performance data, creating digital strategy diagrams

Geography

Understanding spatial awareness and positioning on field, mapping movement patterns, using directional language

PSHE

Building teamwork and cooperation skills, developing leadership qualities, managing competitive emotions, showing respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during strategy development, position at midfield during games for optimal viewing

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, quality of communication, and safe physical technique

Intervention Points

Step in when strategy discussions become unfocused, when technique breaks down under pressure, or when competitive behaviour becomes unsafe

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements when showing routes, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times with different student examples

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp cuts on your routes!'
•'Communicate your plays clearly!'
•'Look back over the correct shoulder!'
•'Support your teammates!'
•'Gentle tag removal only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m playing area with clear boundaries and adequate run-off space

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts for secure clips and intact flags
•Inspect footballs for proper inflation and damage
•Ensure cones and markers have no sharp edges
•Test video equipment is secure and won't fall

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners during route practice
•Tag removal becoming too aggressive
•Trips and falls during quick direction changes
•Over-competitive behaviour during games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing between practice groups
•Emphasis on controlled tag removal technique
•Progressive build-up from walking to running speeds
•Regular reminders about sportsmanship and safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all practice areas
•Actively monitor tag removal technique
•Watch for signs of fatigue or over-exertion
•Intervene immediately if play becomes unsafe

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school leadership