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Lesson 4 - Hook and Slant Running Lines

Invasion Play Fundamentals

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Year 8

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Flag Football

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1h 4min

Big Question

How can strategic running patterns and effective communication transform your team's attacking potential in Flag Football?

Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively and listen actively to teammates during gameplay
Receive a ball whilst maintaining movement and control
Execute hook and slant running lines with tactical awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate clear verbal and non-verbal communication during team activities
Students will successfully catch passes while moving at pace in various directions
Students will perform hook and slant runs with precision and tactical timing

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Check balls are properly inflated and suitable for throwing

Alternative: American footballs, rugby balls with appropriate size

Tag Belts

1 per student (32 total)

Ensure flags are securely attached and easily removable

Alternative: Flag belts, touch rugby tags

Cones

20-30 cones

Use different colours for different purposes - boundaries, positions, targets

Alternative: Markers, discs, or chalk lines

Large Target Ball

Place securely in centre of square formation

Alternative: Football, basketball, or medicine ball

Digital Cameras

1 (optional)

Position for clear view of gameplay, ensure charged and ready

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone with recording capability

Key Vocabulary

Hook run

A running pattern where the receiver runs straight then curves back towards the quarterback

Slant run

A quick, diagonal cut at 45 degrees after running straight for 3-5 metres

Line of scrimmage

The imaginary line where play begins, separating the two teams

Wide receiver

Player positioned near the sideline whose primary role is to catch passes

Quarterback

The player responsible for throwing passes and leading the offensive team

Running back

Player who runs with the ball and can also receive short passes

Down

An attempt to advance the ball; teams get limited downs to reach objectives

Touchdown

Scoring by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of space and movement
Basic Flag Football rules and positions

Current Skills

Hook and slant running patterns
Communication during gameplay
Receiving while moving

Next Steps

Complex route combinations
Advanced offensive strategies
Defensive reading and reactions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of running patterns

Clear communication under pressure

Successful catches in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Hook runs require a sharp 180-degree turn, not a gradual curve
Slant runs are quick 45-degree cuts after just 3-5 metres of straight running
Communication must be clear and constant during all team activities
Flag removal should be clean and safe - grab, don't yank or pull roughly
Timing between quarterback and receiver is crucial for successful plays
Ball security is essential - two hands when possible, especially during catches
Spatial awareness helps prevent collisions and creates better offensive opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Students think they need to run at full speed immediately - emphasise technique first, speed later
Many believe communication means shouting - teach clear, purposeful verbal cues
Students often think the hook run is just running in a circle - stress the sharp directional change
Students may assume flag football is easier than rugby - highlight the skill and strategy required
Some think they can improvise patterns without practice - emphasise the need for consistent technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use high-energy activities to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, use larger equipment initially, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson progression, allow for sensory breaks, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured footballs and flags, provide clear verbal descriptions of running patterns, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure clear line of sight for lip reading

physical disability

Modify running patterns to walking or wheelchair movements, adjust field size, use lighter or larger balls as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills development, following and giving instructions, vocabulary expansion

Maths

Calculating angles for slant runs, measuring distances, counting downs and scores, understanding spatial relationships

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, friction and momentum, cardiovascular responses to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding directions and coordinates, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and leadership development, resilience when facing challenges, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between stations during skill development, position at field edge during games for full visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for technical execution of running patterns, communication effectiveness, and safe flag removal

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe technique, clarify rules confusion, or manage intensity levels

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show running patterns clearly, demonstrate timing between QB and receiver, model positive communication

Verbal Cues

•'Sharp cut, don't drift!'
•'Eyes on the ball all the way!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Safe flag removal only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m clear playing area with additional space for skill stations

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all flag footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure tag belts have secure but easily removable flags
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running patterns
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Eye injuries from ball strikes
•Overexertion during extended gameplay

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate safety margins
•Progressive skill building from walking to running pace
•Emphasis on controlled flag removal technique
•Regular hydration breaks and intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Move between skill stations to monitor technique
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure game intensity remains appropriate

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required