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Lesson 2 - Snap Technique and Tag Defence

Invasion Game Skills

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Year 7

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can we work effectively with teammates while defending against opponents in Flag Football?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Perform a snap centre-quarterback exchange with accuracy
Grab an opponent's flags consistently during defensive play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork in attacking and defending scenarios
Students will execute successful snap exchanges between centre and quarterback
Students will show improved defensive tagging technique and positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distribute balls to activity stations around the area

Alternative: Rugby balls or tennis balls for practice

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 total)

Check all belts have 2 flags securely attached before lesson

Alternative: Fabric strips tucked into waistbands

Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark activity areas, boundaries, and target zones

Alternative: Bibs or markers for area definition

Stopwatch

For timing activities and rotations

Alternative: Mobile phone timer

Sun Markers

1 set

For tactical explanations and assessment recording

Alternative: Large paper and markers

Key Vocabulary

Snap

The action of passing the ball backwards between the legs from centre to quarterback to start a play

Centre

The player who starts each play by snapping the ball to the quarterback

Quarterback

The player who receives the snap and directs the offensive play

Wide Receiver

A player who runs routes to catch passes from the quarterback

Flag/Tag

The fabric strips attached to the belt that defenders must grab to 'tackle'

Line of Scrimmage

The imaginary line where each play begins, separating the two teams

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of flag football rules
Can throw and catch a football accurately
Understands concept of attacking and defending

Current Skills

Snap technique - basic hand-off and aerial snap
Defensive positioning and flag grabbing
Teamwork in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced offensive plays and formations
Complex defensive strategies
Game management and leadership skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful snaps (8/10 attempts)

Effective flag grabs in defensive drills

Clear communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Snap technique requires wrist flick, not whole arm movement
Defensive positioning means reading attacker's body language
Communication is essential for effective teamwork
Clean flag grabbing prevents injuries and arguments
Progressive skill building ensures everyone can succeed
Video analysis helps students see their own improvement
Self-assessment develops independent learners

Common Misconceptions

Snapping harder makes it better - correction: consistency and accuracy matter more than force
Defenders should wait for attackers to move - correction: anticipation and positioning are key
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - correction: games are won through team coordination
Aggressive play shows determination - correction: controlled technique is more effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, reduce activity complexity, extra practice time, step-by-step demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure with visual schedules, quiet zones available, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use bright coloured footballs and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, seated snap practice, adapted flag positions for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team activities, following complex instructions, peer assessment vocabulary

Maths

Calculating scores, measuring distances for activity setup, using Roman numerals and mental arithmetic in warm-up

Science

Understanding forces in ball throwing, trajectory and momentum in aerial snaps, reaction times in defensive play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, supporting others' learning, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all groups, move between activities during practice sessions

Observation Focus

Watch for snap technique development, defensive positioning, and team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if flag grabbing becomes aggressive, if students struggle with basic techniques, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, show both successful and unsuccessful examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands for receiving!'
•'Read the attacker's movement!'
•'Quick transitions!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles, with 2m safety margins around boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are properly secured with flags attached
•Ensure footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during chase activities
•Trips and falls during direction changes
•Aggressive flag grabbing causing injuries
•Balls thrown too hard causing impact injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Adequate spacing between activity groups (minimum 5m)
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on clean flag grabbing technique
•Controlled throwing distances and force

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas like chase games
•Move between groups during partner/small group work
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess injury appropriately, follow school first aid protocols, adapt activities if needed