Lesson 4 - Hook and Slant Running Lines
Invasion Game Skills
•Year 7
•Flag Football
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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
Distribute around activity areas, ensure proper inflation
Alternative: Rugby balls or American footballs if flag footballs unavailable
Check all belts have working clips and flags are secure
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts, or fabric strips
Use for marking boundaries, running patterns, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Position in centre of square for striking activity
Alternative: Medicine ball, basketball, or large foam ball
Position for clear view of gameplay for analysis
Alternative: Tablet, smartphone, or digital camera with video
Key Vocabulary
A running pattern where the receiver runs straight out then curves back towards the quarterback
A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then cuts at a 45-degree angle
The imaginary line where each play begins, where teams line up facing each other
An offensive player positioned away from the centre who runs routes to catch passes
An offensive player who typically stands behind the quarterback and can run or catch
An attempt by the offensive team to advance the ball, with limited attempts to score
The primary scoring method in Flag Football, achieved by catching the ball in the end zone
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
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