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Lesson 4 - Hook and Slant Running Lines

Invasion Game Skills

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Year 7

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Flag Football

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1h 14min

Big Question

How can strategic running patterns and clear communication create scoring opportunities in Flag Football?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills and active listening during game situations
To master receiving the ball whilst moving using hook and slant running patterns
To execute strategic lines of attack that deceive defensive players

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate clearly with teammates using appropriate Flag Football terminology
Students will successfully receive passes while executing hook and slant runs with control
Students will demonstrate understanding of how running patterns create tactical advantages

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

8-10 balls

Distribute around activity areas, ensure proper inflation

Alternative: Rugby balls or American footballs if flag footballs unavailable

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Check all belts have working clips and flags are secure

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, or fabric strips

Cones

20-30 cones

Use for marking boundaries, running patterns, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Game Balls

1-2 large balls

Position in centre of square for striking activity

Alternative: Medicine ball, basketball, or large foam ball

Video Device

1 device (optional)

Position for clear view of gameplay for analysis

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone, or digital camera with video

Key Vocabulary

Hook run

A running pattern where the receiver runs straight out then curves back towards the quarterback

Slant run

A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then cuts at a 45-degree angle

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where each play begins, where teams line up facing each other

Wide receiver

An offensive player positioned away from the centre who runs routes to catch passes

Running back

An offensive player who typically stands behind the quarterback and can run or catch

Down

An attempt by the offensive team to advance the ball, with limited attempts to score

Touchdown

The primary scoring method in Flag Football, achieved by catching the ball in the end zone

Quarterback

The player who throws the ball to teammates and directs the offensive plays

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing techniques
Understanding of personal space and movement
Knowledge of basic Flag Football rules

Current Skills

Hook and slant running patterns
Receiving balls while moving
Strategic communication during play
Understanding quarterback and receiver roles

Next Steps

Complex route combinations
Defensive reading and reaction
Advanced Flag Football strategies
Tournament play and officiating

Milestone Indicators

Smooth execution of running patterns without hesitation

Successful catches while maintaining running rhythm

Clear, purposeful communication throughout activities

Understanding of when to use different running patterns

Key Teaching Points

Hook runs require straight initial movement followed by sharp 90-degree direction change
Slant runs use precise 45-degree cuts after 3-4 metres of straight running
Communication must be clear and happen before plays begin, not during
Quarterbacks should throw to where receivers are going, not where they are
Flag pulling must be clean and safe - grab flags only, never clothing or body
Team huddles are essential for strategy and should last 15-20 seconds maximum
Different running patterns serve different tactical purposes against defenders

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hook runs should be curved rather than sharp angled changes of direction
Believing slant runs can be any angle rather than specifically 45 degrees
Assuming communication can happen effectively during plays rather than before
Thinking successful catches depend only on receiver skill rather than quarterback timing
Believing that running fast is more important than running the correct pattern
Assuming that all running patterns work equally well in all game situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and structure, give immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Slow down skill demonstrations, break complex movements into smaller steps, use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson sequence, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, give advance notice of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of running patterns, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use audio cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Modify running patterns to walking pace, use seated throwing positions, adapt distances for individual capability, provide alternative roles like coach or score keeper

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary specific to Flag Football, clear verbal communication skills, listening and following instructions

Maths

Calculating angles for slant runs (45 degrees), counting downs and scores, measuring distances for field setup, geometry in running patterns

Science

Forces and motion in throwing and catching, friction and grip in direction changes, physics of trajectory in passing

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of angles and directions, mapping movement patterns across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills in huddles, resilience when facing challenges, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner positions during activities for visibility of all students, move between groups during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct running pattern execution, safe tagging technique, effective communication, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe contact occurs, provide immediate feedback on technique errors, support groups struggling with communication

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for running patterns, involve confident students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect technique for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp cuts at the cone!'
•'Eyes up when running!'
•'Communicate before the play!'
•'Flags only - safe tagging!'
•'Lead your receiver with the pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m area with additional 5m boundary spacing for Flag Football gameplay

Surface Check

Level playing surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts for secure clips and properly attached flags
•Verify Flag Footballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp or broken edges
•Position video equipment safely away from playing area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running patterns and gameplay
•Trips and falls during direction changes
•Unsafe tagging or flag pulling
•Balls striking players unexpectedly

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe zones
•Teach and enforce proper tagging technique (flags only)
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups during skill practice
•Progressive skill building from walking to running speed
•Clear communication protocols to prevent collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor skill practice areas for safe technique
•Watch game situations for appropriate contact levels
•Check equipment integrity throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical support as needed