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Lesson 1 - Javelin Pass and Receiving Skills

Invasion Game Skills

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Year 7

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can accurate passing and quick receiving help your team maintain possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate the correct grip and throwing technique for the javelin pass
Show good ready position and movement to receive the ball effectively
Work collaboratively with teammates when attacking and defending

Key Outcomes

All students will demonstrate basic javelin pass grip and participate in team activities
Most students will show accurate passing with good ready position and communicate effectively
Some students will apply skills consistently in game situations with tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

1 per 2 students (15 minimum)

Check for correct inflation and any damage before use

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam footballs for safety

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 minimum)

Ensure all flags are securely attached and belts are adjustable

Alternative: Bibs tucked into shorts, velcro tags

Cones

25 (various colours)

Use bright colours for clear visibility, check for damage

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines on playground

Key Vocabulary

Javelin pass

An overarm throwing technique where the ball is released like a javelin for accuracy and distance

Ready position

Athletic stance with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, ready to move in any direction

Tag belt

Belt worn around waist with removable flags used instead of tackling

Line of attack

The direction and path that attacking players take to advance towards the target

Defensive positioning

Where defenders place themselves to see both the ball and their opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from primary school
Understanding of simple team games
Basic catching and throwing experiences

Current Skills

Javelin pass technique with correct grip
Ready position for quick movement
Basic flag football rules and gameplay

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (spiral pass)
Complex offensive and defensive strategies
Match play with official rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passes over 5 metres

Quick reaction time to receive balls

Effective communication during gameplay

Key Teaching Points

Correct javelin pass grip with fingers crossing laces and thumb underneath
Sideways throwing position like an archer for maximum accuracy and power
Ready position with weight on balls of feet for quick movement
Two-handed catching at chest height for safety and control
Communication through signals rather than shouting during games
Tactical awareness of positioning to see both ball and opponent
Progressive skill development from static to dynamic game application

Common Misconceptions

Thinking throwing harder means more accurate - emphasise technique over power
Believing you must face the target when throwing - teach sideways position
Assuming one-handed catches are acceptable - always insist on two hands
Thinking defensive players should only watch the ball - teach dual awareness
Believing running with the ball is allowed - reinforce passing-only rules
Assuming shouting is the best communication - teach signal systems

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller steps, use larger equipment initially, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated throwing options, modified distances, larger target areas, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances for throws, angles of trajectory, scoring and statistical analysis

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, muscle groups used in throwing

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, leadership skills development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during skill practice, position at edge of playing area during games for full visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip formation, accuracy of passes, movement to space, and positive team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, students struggling with grip, or negative behaviour affecting others

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key positions for clarity, involve confident students as demonstrators

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways on like an archer!'
•'Make that L shape with your fingers!'
•'Quick feet, ready position!'
•'Two hands for catching, always!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear playing area for games, adequate space between groups for skill practice

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for any debris or unsafe areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure tag belts are in good condition with secure flag attachments
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag games and game play
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and communicated
•Adequate spacing between groups during skill practice
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
•Clear rules about safe play and fair contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during tag and game play
•Check students are following safety rules throughout lesson
•Be alert for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for additional support as needed