Lesson 1 - Invasion Tactics & Team Play
Tactical Awareness in Invasion Games
•Year 9
•Teaching Games for Understanding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and tactical understanding transform a group of individuals into a successful invasion team?
Learning Objectives
- Students will develop tactical understanding of invasion principles through collaborative play
- Students will demonstrate effective communication skills to maintain possession and coordinate attacks
- Students will analyse and apply defensive and offensive strategies in territorial game situations
Key Outcomes
- By the end of the lesson, students will have successfully applied invasion tactics in game situations
- Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure
- Students will be able to articulate tactical strategies for both attack and defence
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute to create clear team identification
Alternative: Team bands, coloured cones to identify teams
Mark playing boundaries and key areas
Alternative: Cones, spot markers, bean bags
Define playing areas and create crease zones
Alternative: Witches hats, throw down markers
One per game, spares for continuous play
Alternative: Rugby balls, playground balls, foam balls for beginners
Place face down against walls with opening accessible
Alternative: Large cones, bins, marked wall targets
For timed activities and game periods
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
Moving into an opponent's territory to score while protecting your own area
Having control of the ball and maintaining it within your team
The area of play that a team controls or defends
Rotating on one foot to change direction while maintaining ball control
An area where players cannot enter, typically around goals for safety
Understanding of game situations and making smart decisions
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of team cooperation
- Experience with simple ball games
Current Skills
- Tactical decision-making in invasion games
- Communication during competitive play
- Coordinated team movements
- Pressure passing and receiving
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical systems and formations
- Leadership roles in team sports
- Complex invasion game strategies
- Sport-specific skill development
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Invasion games require tactical thinking and teamwork, not just individual skills
- Communication is essential for successful team play and tactical execution
- Three-pass rule develops patience and tactical awareness in attack
- Defensive positioning and teamwork are as important as attacking skills
- Bank shot technique requires controlled throwing and understanding of angles
- Rule modifications can change tactical approaches and challenge different skills
- Tactical discussions and reflection develop game understanding beyond physical skills
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Invasion games are just about running fast and throwing hard' - Correction: Success comes from tactical thinking, teamwork, and controlled skill application
- Misconception: 'The team with the ball should all move towards the goal' - Correction: Spreading out creates space and passing options for better possession
- Misconception: 'Defence means just trying to get the ball back' - Correction: Good defence involves positioning, communication, and working together to limit opponents' options
- Misconception: 'Bank shots are just lucky bounces' - Correction: Bank shots require understanding of angles, controlled throwing technique, and practice
- Misconception: 'Talking during games is distracting' - Correction: Communication is essential for tactical success and team coordination
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls for easier handling, provide extra practice time, simplify tactical concepts initially, offer step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines and structure, offer quiet zones for breaks, use visual schedules for lesson progression
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of game areas, assign buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rule cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances, allow seated play where appropriate, adapt step limitations, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, giving and receiving instructions, articulating tactical thoughts, listening skills during team discussions
Maths
Counting passes and steps, calculating scores, understanding angles for bank shots, measuring distances for game setup
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, understanding of angles and reflection in bank shots, physics of ball movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of territories and boundaries, mapping tactical movements
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership roles, managing competition emotions, conflict resolution in team disagreements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to both game areas, move between games to provide tactical coaching
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical development, communication effectiveness, rule compliance, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when rules are consistently broken, tactical understanding needs support, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use live examples from games to highlight good practice, pause games briefly to show tactical concepts in action
Verbal Cues
- •'Find the space!' to encourage tactical movement
- •'Count your passes!' to maintain rule focus
- •'Talk to your team!' to promote communication
- •'Think tactically!' during pressure moments
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m hall with clear boundaries, separate areas for simultaneous games
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip sports hall surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check nets are securely positioned against walls
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify balls are properly inflated and clean
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during game play
- •Slips and falls on sports hall surface
- •Ball strikes to face or body during throwing
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear crease areas established around goals with no-entry zones
- •Adequate spacing between simultaneous games
- •Progressive skill building before competitive play
- •Regular hydration breaks during intense activity
- •Clear communication protocols to prevent collisions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all playing areas simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas around goals
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or fatigue
- •Ensure rule compliance particularly around safety zones
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, follow school emergency protocols