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Lesson 8 - Tournament & Advanced Strategies

Individual Skills & Tactics

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Year 9

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Floorball

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1h 1min

Big Question

How can we use all our floorball skills and strategies to compete effectively in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To improve gameplay, spacing and fundamental floorball techniques in competitive situations
To apply advanced game strategies, passing combinations and shooting skills under pressure
To demonstrate tactical awareness and ability to outsmart opponents using learned strategies

Key Outcomes

Students will compete effectively in a 4v4 tournament format
Students will apply advanced techniques including 1-2 passes and man-to-man marking
Students will demonstrate improved decision-making and strategic thinking

Equipment & Resources Required

Sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Hockey sticks with shortened handles

Game Balls

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are in good condition for tournament

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls

Posts

4 portable goals

Position at each end of the two courts

Alternative: Cones to mark goal areas

Coloured Bibs

4 sets of different colours

Organise into team sets before lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands or markers

Dish Cones

20 cones

Mark court boundaries and central areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape

Score Sheets

4 sheets

Prepare tournament tracking sheets

Alternative: Whiteboard for scores

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive format where multiple teams play against each other

1-2 Pass

A tactical move where player passes, moves to new position, and receives return pass

Man-to-man Marking

Defensive strategy where each defender is assigned to mark a specific opponent

Scoop Pass

Advanced passing technique lifting the ball slightly off the ground

Strategic Positioning

Moving to advantageous positions on the court to support team tactics

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Fundamental passing and shooting techniques
Understanding of basic floorball rules
Experience with small-sided games

Current Skills

Advanced passing combinations including 1-2 passes
Strategic positioning and movement
Defensive and attacking strategies
Tournament competition skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in larger teams
Specialised position play
Leadership in sports contexts
Analysis of performance data

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of techniques under pressure

Effective communication with teammates

Ability to adapt tactics based on game situation

Demonstration of leadership and coaching skills

Key Teaching Points

Reinforce safety rules throughout competitive play - sticks below hip level and no stick contact
Emphasise application of learned strategies rather than just winning games
Provide continuous positive feedback to maintain motivation and confidence
Use tournament format to develop resilience and ability to perform under pressure
Encourage peer coaching and leadership opportunities within teams
Balance competitive intensity with fair play and sportsmanship
Celebrate different types of achievement beyond just game results

Common Misconceptions

Tournament success is only measured by winning - correct by emphasising skill application and improvement
Advanced techniques should be attempted constantly - explain when techniques are most effective
Individual performance is more important than team play - reinforce collaborative success
Pressure situations require abandoning learned techniques - teach that pressure is when techniques matter most
Competition means aggressive play is acceptable - maintain standards of fair play and respect

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes during games, clear roles within teams, frequent positive feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical instructions, extra practice time with skills, larger/easier equipment where appropriate

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet zones available between games, consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure students can see teacher demonstrations, written team tactics boards

physical disability

Modified court size for wheelchair users, adapted stick lengths, seated tournament roles such as scoring/coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team discussions, articulating tactical concepts, presenting performance reflections

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating goal differences, statistical analysis of team performance

Science

Physics of ball trajectory during scoop passes, biomechanics of shooting technique

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of court dimensions and tactical spacing

PSHE

Leadership in competitive situations, managing emotions during competition, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between the two courts during tournament games, positioning where both games are visible

Observation Focus

Watch for application of taught strategies, safety compliance, and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in for dangerous play, provide tactical reminders, encourage positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

During games, briefly demonstrate correct techniques when play stops naturally, use positive examples from student performances

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the 1-2 pass opportunity!'
•'Great man-to-man marking, stay with your player!'
•'Quick shot when you see the chance!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship, well done!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall (minimum 30m x 20m) for two half-court games simultaneously

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all sticks for damage or splinters
•Ensure goals are stable and properly positioned
•Verify balls are in good condition
•Check bibs are clean and identifiable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between players
•High-speed collisions during tournament games
•Slips and falls due to rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Fatigue affecting concentration and safety

Risk Mitigation

•Continuous reinforcement of stick safety rules
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Regular monitoring of player fatigue levels
•Immediate intervention for dangerous play
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for maximum visibility of both games
•Actively officiate games to maintain safety standards
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent escalation
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, record any incidents