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Lesson 3 - Hand-off & Tactics

Invasion Play Fundamentals

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Year 8

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can mastering the hand-off technique transform your team's attacking strategy in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

Develop secure hand-off technique between quarterback and running back
Apply dodging and feinting skills effectively in dynamic game situations
Demonstrate tactical awareness in invasion game scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will execute hand-offs with consistent technique and timing
Students will demonstrate effective dodging patterns to evade defenders
Students will apply tactical thinking in team-based invasion games

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

1 per 4 students (8 total for class of 32)

Distributed around activity areas, different colours if available

Alternative: Soft rugby balls, foam footballs

Tag Belts

1 per student (32 total)

Each student wears belt with 2 tags securely attached

Alternative: Fabric strips, bandanas tucked into waistbands

Cones

20-30 markers

Use to mark defensive lines, activity areas, and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Digital Cameras

1 (optional)

Position for clear view of tactical discussions and gameplay

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone with recording capability

Whiteboards

1 portable board

For tactical discussions and strategy planning

Alternative: Large paper sheets, ground markings

Key Vocabulary

Hand-off

The transfer of the ball from quarterback to running back using proper technique

Running back

The player who receives the hand-off and carries the ball forward

Pocket

The secure arm position created by the running back to receive the ball

Feint

A deceptive movement designed to mislead the opponent about intended direction

Sidestep

A lateral movement technique used to avoid defenders

Invasion game

A game where teams attempt to invade opponent's territory to score or retrieve objects

Defensive zone

The area behind the defensive line that players are protecting

Tactics

The strategic plans and methods used by teams to achieve their objectives

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and carrying techniques
Understanding of invasion game principles
Simple dodging and directional changes

Current Skills

Secure hand-off technique with pocket formation
Advanced feinting and dodging patterns
Tactical application in competitive scenarios

Next Steps

Combination plays involving multiple hand-offs
Advanced offensive formations and strategies
Leadership roles in tactical planning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent hand-off success rate above 80%

Effective use of feints to create space

Clear communication during tactical discussions

Key Teaching Points

Hand-off success depends on the running back creating a secure pocket with their arms
Effective feinting requires selling the movement with whole body language, not just feet
Tactical discussions should include all team members and focus on specific strategies
Ball security is paramount - two hands on the ball until the play is complete
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and creates opportunities for successful play
Communication during game situations helps teams execute planned tactics effectively
Progressive skill building from static practice to dynamic game application builds confidence

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the quarterback should throw the ball during hand-offs rather than placing it firmly
Believing that faster movement always beats good technique - controlled execution is more effective
Assuming feints only involve foot movement - whole body deception is much more convincing
Expecting immediate success in game situations without sufficient practice of individual skills
Focusing on individual performance rather than team tactics and collective success
Believing that complex tactics are always better than well-executed simple strategies

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include regular movement breaks, provide clear, concise instructions, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow for different ways to participate

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for hand-off coordination, use larger, softer balls for easier handling, break complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear, structured routines for each activity, offer quiet space for breaks if needed, use visual schedules to show lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured footballs and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, implement buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Ensure clear visual demonstrations, use written instruction cards for complex activities, position students for optimal lip-reading opportunities

physical disability

Modify hand-off technique for seated players, use lighter balls for easier handling, adapt movement patterns to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical communication and discussion skills, analysing video footage and providing commentary, developing sport-specific vocabulary

Maths

Calculating success rates and percentages, measuring distances for tactical positioning, analysing statistical data from game performance

Science

Understanding forces and motion in direction changes, analysing reaction times and decision-making processes, studying physics of ball flight and handling

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of playing areas, understanding territorial concepts and boundaries, navigation and positional awareness

ICT

Video analysis using technology, recording and reviewing performance data, digital communication about tactics and strategy

PSHE

Leadership development through tactical planning, resilience when tactics don't work, cooperation and teamwork in high-pressure situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas maintaining sight of all groups, position at corner during invasion game for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand-off technique, effective use of feints, tactical application in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if hand-off technique is unsafe, collisions occurring during dodging, or tactical discussions become unproductive

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion initially for hand-off technique, exaggerate feints for visibility, position yourself clearly for all students to see

Verbal Cues

•'Create that pocket with your arms!'
•'Sell the feint with your whole body!'
•'Think tactically - what's your team strategy?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for full activities, larger area preferred for invasion game

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure tag belts are securely fastened with working velcro
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during central dodging activities
•Falls during rapid direction changes
•Contact during tag removal attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on safe dodging techniques
•Adequate spacing between activity groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movements over maximum speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of central dodging area
•Monitor invasion game for appropriate contact levels
•Watch for fatigue affecting movement quality

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, modify activity if needed to prevent recurrence