Lesson 5 - Advanced Strategy and Communication
Invasion Game Skills
•Year 7
•Flag Football
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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
Check inflation and condition before lesson
Alternative: Soft-touch rugby balls, foam footballs
Ensure all clips work and flags attach securely
Alternative: Touch rugby tags, coloured ribbons
Include dry-wipe markers and erasers for each board
Alternative: Large paper sheets, tablet devices, sand/chalk boards
Use different colours for different field markings
Alternative: Rubber spots, chalk lines, rope boundaries
Ensure battery charged and sufficient storage space
Alternative: Smartphone with good video quality
Key Vocabulary
The player who throws the ball to start each play
Player who receives hand-offs and short passes, often running with the ball
Running forward then turning back toward the quarterback to receive the ball
Short diagonal run across the field to receive a quick pass
The imaginary line where each play begins, dividing the teams
An attempt to advance the ball; teams get limited downs to score
Secret hand or verbal signals teams use to communicate plays
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
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