Lesson 5 - Attacking Strategies & Talk
Invasion Play Fundamentals
•Year 8
•Flag Football
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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
Pre-positioned around the playing area for quick access
Alternative: American footballs or rugby balls
Ensure tags are securely attached and easily removable
Alternative: Velcro tags or coloured bibs with tags attached
Include markers and ensure surface is clean for clear writing
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablets, or ground markings
Test all markers work before lesson begins
Alternative: Chalk, dry-wipe markers
Use to mark field boundaries, line of scrimmage, and end zones
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural landmarks
Ensure battery is charged and memory card has space
Alternative: Tablet, smartphone, or digital camera
Key Vocabulary
A running pattern where the receiver runs directly downfield and catches the ball over their shoulder
A running pattern where the receiver runs downfield then turns back towards the quarterback
A quick running pattern where the receiver runs at a 45-degree angle across the field
The imaginary line where each play begins, separating the offensive and defensive teams
Secret signals or words used by teams to communicate plays without the opposition knowing
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
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