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Lesson 5 - Attacking Strategies & Talk

Invasion Play Fundamentals

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Year 8

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can effective communication and strategic planning revolutionise your team's attacking performance?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending through tactical awareness
Execute different types of running lines and receive a ball whilst maintaining momentum
Develop and communicate attacking strategies effectively with teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate three different running patterns with correct technique
Students will create and execute coded plays using strategic communication
Students will apply tactical knowledge in game situations with improved decision-making

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

6-8

Pre-positioned around the playing area for quick access

Alternative: American footballs or rugby balls

Tag Belts

30 (one per student)

Ensure tags are securely attached and easily removable

Alternative: Velcro tags or coloured bibs with tags attached

Whiteboards

6 (one per team)

Include markers and ensure surface is clean for clear writing

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablets, or ground markings

Markers

6 (one per team)

Test all markers work before lesson begins

Alternative: Chalk, dry-wipe markers

Cones

Use to mark field boundaries, line of scrimmage, and end zones

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural landmarks

PE Equipment

Ensure battery is charged and memory card has space

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone, or digital camera

Key Vocabulary

Straight line run

A running pattern where the receiver runs directly downfield and catches the ball over their shoulder

Hook

A running pattern where the receiver runs downfield then turns back towards the quarterback

Slant

A quick running pattern where the receiver runs at a 45-degree angle across the field

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where each play begins, separating the offensive and defensive teams

Coded moves

Secret signals or words used by teams to communicate plays without the opposition knowing

Hand off

A play where the quarterback hands the ball directly to a running back

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic flag football rules and gameplay
Fundamental passing and catching techniques
Understanding of offensive and defensive roles

Current Skills

Advanced running patterns (straight line, hook, slant)
Strategic communication and coded plays
Tactical decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Complex multi-receiver plays
Advanced defensive strategies
Game analysis and performance review

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of three different running patterns

Effective use of coded communication in game situations

Demonstration of tactical awareness and adaptation

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise communication as the foundation of successful team strategy
Ensure all three running patterns are mastered before progressing to combinations
Maintain focus on non-contact nature of flag football throughout
Develop tactical awareness through questioning rather than telling
Create inclusive environment where all students can contribute to strategy
Use video analysis to reinforce positive examples of technique and teamwork
Connect mathematical concepts naturally through game situations

Common Misconceptions

Flag football is just like rugby or American football - emphasise the non-contact, strategic nature
The fastest runner always wins - highlight importance of tactics and teamwork over speed
Complicated plays are better - stress that simple, well-executed plays are more effective
Only the quarterback needs to understand strategy - ensure all positions understand their roles
You must catch every pass perfectly - encourage risk-taking and learning from mistakes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles, give immediate positive feedback, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Demonstrate movements multiple times, use larger equipment, reduce complexity of patterns, provide extra practice time, offer peer support

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for lesson phases, offer quiet reflection time, prepare student for changes between activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all movements, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use audio signals for timing

hearing impairment

Rely on visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written play cards, use visual timers, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Modify running patterns to walking pace, use larger target areas, provide seated passing options, adapt flag pulling to alternative tagging methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills through coded play development, speaking and listening during tactical discussions, vocabulary development

Maths

Mental arithmetic during warm-up, calculating angles for running patterns, timing and measurement of field distances

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight and player movement, friction between feet and ground during cutting movements

ICT

Video analysis skills, using technology for performance review, digital strategy planning tools

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, resilience when strategies don't work, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during practice phases, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate pattern execution, effective communication, safety compliance, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if confusion about rules, unsafe play observed, or groups struggling with strategy development

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for pattern teaching, exaggerate key movement points, involve confident students as demo partners

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp cuts, no rounding!'
•'Eyes up when catching!'
•'Gentle flag pulling only!'
•'Use your code words!'
•'Think strategy first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 25m outdoor space or large sports hall with clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are in good condition with secure fastenings
•Ensure footballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Test video equipment is secure and won't create trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during running patterns
•Aggressive flag pulling or tackling attempts
•Falls during direction changes and cutting movements
•Ball strikes to head or body during passing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between practice groups
•Emphasis on controlled, safe flag pulling technique only
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic movements
•Regular reminders about non-contact nature of flag football

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during practice
•Monitor high-activity areas during game application closely
•Watch for fatigue levels affecting safe play
•Ensure clear communication channels with all participants

Emergency Procedures

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