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Lesson 2 - Snap & Tag Techniques

Invasion Play Fundamentals

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Year 8

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Flag Football

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1h 19min

Big Question

How can we use precise communication and technique to control possession and win back the ball?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Perform a snap centre-quarterback exchange with consistent technique
Grab an opponent's tags consistently as they try to attack

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork in attack and defence scenarios
Students will execute snap exchanges with 80% accuracy in game situations
Students will successfully defend using correct tagging technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

1 per 6 students (5 total)

Distributed to group leaders for each activity station

Alternative: Rugby balls or foam footballs

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 total)

Pre-fitted with tags, checked for secure attachment

Alternative: Fabric strips attached to sports belts

Cones

20-30 cones

Various colours for different activities and boundary marking

Alternative: Marker discs or painted lines

Digital Cameras

1 (optional)

Positioned for clear view of activity areas for analysis

Alternative: Tablet or smartphone with video capability

Bibs

15 (half class)

For distinguishing teams during games

Alternative: Different coloured tag belts

Key Vocabulary

Snap

The backward pass from centre to quarterback to start a play

Centre

The player who snaps the ball to begin each play

Quarterback

The player who receives the snap and directs the offensive play

Wide receiver

The player who runs routes to catch passes from the quarterback

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of flag football rules
Fundamental throwing and catching skills
Basic spatial awareness and running in straight lines

Current Skills

Snap technique from centre to quarterback
Defensive positioning and tagging technique
Working cooperatively in attack and defence

Next Steps

Complex route running and pass patterns
Advanced defensive strategies and zone coverage
Game management and tactical decision making

Milestone Indicators

Consistent snap timing without fumbles

Successful tag attempts in 7 out of 10 defensive plays

Clear communication between attacking players

Key Teaching Points

Snap timing is crucial - develop rhythm between centre and quarterback
Defensive positioning beats speed - anticipate where attackers will go
Clean tag technique protects all players and maintains fair play
Communication in team defence creates successful outcomes
Progressive skill development from static to dynamic situations builds confidence
Peer assessment develops understanding and coaching skills
Video analysis reinforces learning and celebrates success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking snaps should be thrown hard - teach gentle, accurate trajectory instead
Believing individual chasing is effective defence - emphasise team positioning and communication
Assuming evasion means running fast - teach body position and direction changes
Thinking tags can be grabbed anywhere - emphasise clean tag technique only
Believing successful defence means aggressive contact - teach positioning and anticipation
Assuming peer assessment means criticism - model constructive, positive feedback

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement-based learning throughout, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger footballs for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time and demonstration

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated snap practice variations, modified tagging using pool noodles, adapted distances and boundaries

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills through peer assessment, using technical vocabulary correctly, explaining tactics to others

Maths

Calculating success rates for snap attempts, measuring distances for optimal positioning, using angles for throw trajectories

Science

Understanding forces and motion in throwing, friction in stopping and starting, body systems response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of playing areas, directions and positioning concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, handling pressure situations, building resilience through challenge

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position at corners for diagonal view of playing area

Observation Focus

Watch for snap timing and accuracy, defensive positioning, clean tagging technique, team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if physical contact becomes inappropriate, technique deteriorates significantly, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Quick feet for positioning!'
•'Clean tags only!'
•'Work together, catchers!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m clear playing area, indoor hall or outdoor grass surface

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are securely fastened with tags properly attached
•Inspect footballs for correct inflation and no damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during running activities
•Inappropriate physical contact during tagging
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Eye injuries from poorly thrown balls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Emphasis on clean tag technique without body contact
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Controlled throwing with focus on accuracy over power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of playing area for maximum visibility
•Monitor high-activity areas during game application
•Watch for fatigue affecting decision making and technique
•Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, seek medical attention if required