Lesson 1 - Throwing & Receiving Skills
Invasion Play Fundamentals
•Year 8
•Flag Football
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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
Check inflation and condition before lesson
Alternative: Rugby balls, American footballs, or foam footballs
Ensure all flags are securely attached and functional
Alternative: Bibs or bands that can be tucked into shorts
Use to mark zones, boundaries, and starting positions
Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines, or painted lines
Position for safe filming of technique and gameplay
Alternative: Tablet or smartphone with video capability
Key Vocabulary
An overarm throwing technique where the ball is released with a forward motion similar to throwing a javelin
Athletic stance with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, arms ready to receive
Belt worn around waist with detachable flags used instead of physical tackling
Positioning hands at chest height to give thrower a clear target to aim for
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
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