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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Receiving Skills

Invasion Play Fundamentals

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Year 8

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Flag Football

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Big Question

How can accurate passing and intelligent positioning create attacking opportunities in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Communicate effectively and listen to others during gameplay
Apply throwing and catching skills effectively in different game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute the javelin pass with correct grip and throwing technique
Students will demonstrate effective ready position for receiving and movement
Students will apply passing skills tactically in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Flag Footballs

15-20 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Rugby balls, American footballs, or foam footballs

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Ensure all flags are securely attached and functional

Alternative: Bibs or bands that can be tucked into shorts

Cones

20-30

Use to mark zones, boundaries, and starting positions

Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines, or painted lines

PE Equipment

Position for safe filming of technique and gameplay

Alternative: Tablet or smartphone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Javelin pass

An overarm throwing technique where the ball is released with a forward motion similar to throwing a javelin

Ready position

Athletic stance with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, arms ready to receive

Tag belt

Belt worn around waist with detachable flags used instead of physical tackling

Target presentation

Positioning hands at chest height to give thrower a clear target to aim for

Sideways position

Body positioning with non-throwing shoulder pointing towards target before throwing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination from primary PE
Understanding of sending and receiving concepts
Experience with team games and rules

Current Skills

Flag football specific grip and throwing technique
Ready position for effective movement and catching
Tactical understanding of attacking and defending roles

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques including spiral passes
Complex game strategies and set plays
Leadership roles in organising team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent javelin pass accuracy over 10 metres

Quick transition from defence to attack positioning

Effective communication and decision-making under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Flag football grip requires ring and little fingers crossing the laces with thumb underneath
Ready position involves weight on balls of feet with hands forming target at chest height
Javelin pass requires sideways stance with step forward during throw
Two-handed catching is essential for consistency and safety
Communication and spatial awareness are crucial for game success
Progressive skill development from static to dynamic situations
Peer assessment develops analytical skills and supportive learning environment

Common Misconceptions

Gripping flag football like a cricket ball - needs specific finger placement on laces
Throwing directly at target without sideways stance - reduces power and accuracy
Standing flat-footed when receiving - prevents quick movement responses
Attempting one-handed catches - increases drop rate and reduces control
Focus only on individual skills - team games require tactical understanding
Thinking dropping the ball means failure - learning opportunity for resilience
Believing only dominant hand should be used - ambidextrous skills improve versatility

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between static activities

dyspraxia

Simplified grip instruction, larger equipment, additional practice time, breaking skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, predictable activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured flag footballs, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on display, hand signals for communication, visual timing cues

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, modified distances, adapted equipment like larger balls, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of release, distance measurement, scoring and statistics, time management during activities

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, biomechanics of throwing action

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping of game tactics and movements

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership opportunities and responsibilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all activities, mobile supervision during partner work

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip formation, throwing technique, ready position, and safe game play

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe behaviour, incorrect technique, or students showing frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key positions for visibility, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Ring and little fingers cross the laces!'
•'Sideways on, step forward, follow through!'
•'Ready position - weight on your toes!'
•'Two hands for catching, always!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for full activities, adaptable for smaller spaces

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check flag footballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure tag belt flags are securely attached but easily removable
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag activities
•Flag football strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Aggressive flag pulling causing falls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on clean flag removal without body contact
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor throwing direction and height for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Intervene immediately for unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, alert senior staff if required