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Lesson 4 - Positional Play

Technical Mastery & Tactics

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Year 9

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

How do different positions work together to create effective team play in Gaelic football?

Learning Objectives

Understand the different positions in Gaelic football and their specific roles
Explore the responsibilities and movement patterns of each position
Apply positional understanding effectively in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to identify and explain the roles of all Gaelic football positions
Students will demonstrate appropriate movement and decision-making for multiple positions
Students will show improved tactical awareness and team coordination in game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Gaelic Footballs

15-20

Distributed around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rugby balls

Cones

30-40

Used for positioning markers and area boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots

Coloured Bibs

30 (2 sets of 15)

Two distinct colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts

Small Goal

4-6

Positioned for small-sided games

Alternative: Cone goals, target areas

Large Goals

Full-sized goals for main game activities

Alternative: Marked areas on walls

Sun Markers

1 set

For position diagrams and tactical explanations

Alternative: Flip chart, tactical board

Key Vocabulary

Goalkeeper

The defensive player positioned in front of the goal, responsible for preventing scores

Full Back

Defensive players who mark opposing forwards and clear the ball from danger

Centre Half Back

Central defensive player who organises the defence and links with midfield

Midfield

Players who control the centre of the pitch, linking defence and attack

Half Forward

Attacking player who creates scoring opportunities and supports full forwards

Full Centre Forward

Primary attacking players positioned closest to the opposition goal

Positional Play

Strategic positioning of players to maximise team effectiveness

Team Structure

The organised formation and system of play adopted by a team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic Gaelic football handling and kicking skills
Understanding of invasion game principles
Experience with simple team formations

Current Skills

Position-specific movement patterns
Tactical awareness and decision-making
Team communication and coordination

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Specialist position skills development
Game analysis and tactical planning

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain their role without prompting

Movement shows understanding of position responsibilities

Decision-making improves when in familiar positions

Key Teaching Points

Each position has specific responsibilities that contribute to team success
Good communication between positions is essential for effective team play
Players must maintain positional discipline while adapting to game situations
Understanding your role helps you make better decisions with and without the ball
Different positions require different skills and movement patterns
Team shape and formation provide structure for attacking and defending
Successful teams have players who understand and fulfil their positional responsibilities

Common Misconceptions

All players should chase the ball - correct by emphasising positional responsibility and team shape
Only forwards can score - explain how all positions can contribute to scoring opportunities
Defenders never go forward - show how positions can overlap and support each other
The best players should always play in attacking positions - discuss how all positions are equally important
Position means staying in one place - clarify that positions involve movement within specific areas and roles

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity intervals, provide clear position boundaries, offer movement breaks between discussions

dyspraxia

Simplify position responsibilities initially, provide additional practice time, use visual aids for understanding

autism spectrum

Provide clear position cards with responsibilities, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and balls, provide verbal descriptions of formations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for position changes, provide written position cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify positions to suit abilities, use wheelchair-appropriate areas, adapt rules for participation

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, biomechanics of movement, cardiovascular effects of exercise

Geography

Understanding of space, directions, and mapping through pitch awareness and positional play

Mathematics

Spatial awareness and geometry through position formations, angles of passing, calculating distances

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork, resilience when trying new positions, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of playing area for optimal observation of all students and positions

Observation Focus

Watch for positional understanding, communication between players, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in to correct dangerous play, provide tactical guidance, or support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear gestures to show position locations, demonstrate key movements slowly, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Think about your position's job!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'
•'Stay disciplined in your area!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full Gaelic football pitch or minimum 80m x 50m marked area with adequate run-off zones

Surface Check

Dry, level grass surface free from holes, debris or dangerous objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are visible and have no sharp edges
•Verify goals are secure and properly anchored

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during fast-paced game play
•Falls when changing direction or competing for ball
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion during extended game periods

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear rules about physical contact levels
•Ensure adequate spacing during activities
•Provide regular water breaks, especially in warm weather
•Monitor game intensity and intervene if necessary

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of entire playing area
•Move around perimeter to observe different game areas
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required