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Lesson 3 - Hand-Off Technique

Invasion Game Skills

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Year 7

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can we use deception and technique to gain an advantage in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate secure hand-off technique with consistent pocket formation
Students will apply dodging and feinting skills effectively in game situations
Students will develop tactical awareness through invasion game play

Key Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will execute hand-offs with 80% success rate
Students will demonstrate at least three different dodging techniques during gameplay
Students will articulate and apply team tactics in invasion game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

15-20

Different colours for invasion game - 2 sets of matching colours

Alternative: Rugby balls, American footballs

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have 2 flags attached securely

Alternative: Touch rugby tags, coloured bands

Cones

20-30

Various colours for marking zones and practice areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Tablets

For recording tactical discussions and gameplay analysis

Alternative: Smartphone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Hand-off

A transfer of the ball from quarterback to running back without throwing

Running back

Player who receives the ball and runs with it to advance down field

Feint

A deceptive movement to mislead an opponent about intended direction

Pocket

Formation created with arms to securely receive a hand-off

Sidestep

A quick lateral movement to avoid an opponent

Invasion game

Game where teams try to invade opponent's territory to score

Defensive zone

Area that a team protects from opposing players

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to achieve objectives

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of invasion game principles
Basic awareness of space and movement

Current Skills

Hand-off technique with pocket formation
Feinting and dodging movements
Tactical application in invasion games

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (spiral passes)
Complex offensive and defensive strategies
Flag football tournament play

Milestone Indicators

Smooth hand-off exchanges without fumbles

Effective use of feints to wrong-foot opponents

Clear tactical understanding in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Hand-off technique requires secure pocket formation - high elbow, palm down receiving position
Effective feinting uses whole body commitment to sell the deception convincingly
Ball security is paramount - always secure with both hands before attempting to run
Team tactics in invasion games require communication and coordinated movement
Progressive skill building - master technique before adding speed or pressure
Fair play and sportsmanship are essential for enjoyable and safe gameplay
Self-assessment and reflection develop independent learning and goal-setting skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hand-offs are the same as passing - emphasis on physical transfer not throwing
Believing feints need to be dramatic - subtle body movements can be more effective
Assuming individual skill is more important than team tactics in invasion games
Thinking faster is always better - controlled technique leads to better outcomes
Believing that losing possession means failure - learning opportunity and part of the game
Assuming all students learn at the same rate - differentiation allows for individual progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive feedback, movement breaks, clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet reflection zones available, predictable team groupings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions for all movements, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for common instructions, written tactical boards, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified tag systems, adapted ball sizes, shorter distances for activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical vocabulary development, communication skills in team discussions, analytical language in performance review

Maths

Calculating success rates and percentages, measuring distances for tactical positioning, angles of movement and feints

Science

Forces and motion in ball transfer, friction effects on dodging movements, energy systems during sustained activity

ICT

Video analysis skills, digital recording techniques, data collection for performance improvement

PSHE

Leadership skills in team discussions, resilience when facing challenges, empathy in supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities, position centrally during explanations for visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for technique application, safety awareness, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe behaviour, or negative team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Create that pocket!' for hand-off practice
•'Sell the feint!' for dodging activities
•'Team tactics!' during game play

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, marked court for invasion game

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, check for slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts have secure fastenings
•Ensure footballs are properly inflated
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dodging activities
•Trips and falls during dynamic movement
•Flag pulling injuries if done incorrectly

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement patterns established
•Adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building before game application
•Emphasis on fair play and safe contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during game play
•Monitor high-activity central areas
•Watch for fatigue during extended activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required