Lesson 5 - Dragonfly Attack & Defence
Tactical Awareness in Invasion Games
•Year 9
•Teaching Games for Understanding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can coordinated teamwork and tactical awareness create scoring opportunities while maintaining defensive strength?
Learning Objectives
- Develop strategic thinking in attack and defence scenarios through dragonfly activities
- Refine throwing accuracy and fielding techniques under pressure
- Enhance team coordination and communication skills in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved tactical decision-making in attack and defence
- Students will execute coordinated team movements with increased efficiency
- Students will apply strategic thinking to score runs and prevent opponents from scoring
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep spares available in case of damage
Alternative: Foam footballs, bean bags, or tennis balls in socks
Set up in diamond formation approximately 15 metres apart
Alternative: Marker discs, sports cones, or improvised markers
Position clearly at each corner of diamond shape
Alternative: Hoops, mats, or marked areas on ground
For timing activities and managing transitions
Alternative: Mobile phone timer or digital watch
Key Vocabulary
A lightweight object used in invasion games for throwing and catching practice
A passing technique alternating between passing over the head and through the legs
An area where players cannot be tagged or where specific rules apply
Deliberately throwing to specific areas to maximise scoring opportunities
Working together as a fielding team to prevent scoring
Moving around bases in order while maintaining team formation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching techniques from earlier TGFU lessons
- Understanding of teamwork principles and cooperation
- Experience with simple invasion games and scoring concepts
Current Skills
- Strategic throwing for maximum distance and placement
- Coordinated team movements and communication
- Over-under passing technique under pressure
- Tactical decision-making in attack and defence scenarios
Next Steps
- Advanced invasion game tactics and strategies
- Leadership roles in complex team scenarios
- Analysis and adaptation of game strategies in real-time
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Strategic placement in throwing is more effective than maximum power
- Coordinated team movements require clear communication and practice
- Over-under passing technique requires alternating pattern and quick execution
- Fielding teams must work together rather than as individuals
- Tactical awareness develops through reflection and adaptation
- Sportsmanship and fair play are essential even in competitive situations
- Leadership emerges through supporting teammates and strategic thinking
Common Misconceptions
- That throwing harder always leads to better results - emphasise strategic placement
- That individual skill is more important than team coordination - highlight teamwork benefits
- That winning is the primary objective - focus on learning and improvement
- That the same strategy works against all opponents - encourage adaptation
- That fielding is a passive role - emphasise active coordination and communication
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles for engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger, easier-to-handle equipment, provide extra practice time, pair with supportive teammates
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet reflection zones, use consistent routines and signals
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured dragonflies and cones, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts/stops, provide written strategy cards, ensure clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances, allow seated participation, provide appropriate alternative equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Articulating strategic ideas, giving clear instructions, active listening during team discussions
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, body mechanics during movement, teamwork as biological cooperation
Geography
Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding angles and directions
Mathematics
Calculating scores and statistics, measuring throwing distances, analysing patterns in successful strategies
PSHE
Leadership development, conflict resolution, building resilience under pressure, cooperation and communication
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between both game areas to observe all students, stand where both diamonds are visible
Observation Focus
Monitor strategic decision-making, team coordination, safety awareness, and skill application
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, when teams need strategic guidance, or when sportsmanship declines
Demonstration Notes
Use different coloured bibs for clear team identification, demonstrate techniques at slower speed first, emphasise strategic thinking over winning
Verbal Cues
- •'Strategy over power!'
- •'Quick coordination, fielding team!'
- •'Where's the best placement for that throw?'
- •'Excellent teamwork and communication!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate drainage if outdoors
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dragonflies for damage before use
- •Ensure cones are stable and visible
- •Verify base markers are secure and non-slip
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during base running
- •Dragonfly strikes to head/body
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safety zones established
- •Adequate spacing between game areas
- •Progressive warm-up before full activity
- •Emphasis on control over power in throwing
- •Regular hydration breaks during activity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position between both game areas for maximum visibility
- •Monitor competitive intensity and sportsmanship
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, arrange medical support if required