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Lesson 1 - Invasion Tactics & Team Play

Tactical Awareness in Invasion Games

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Year 9

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Teaching Games for Understanding

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Big Question

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

Bibs

20 (4 different colours)

Distribute to create clear team identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured cones to identify teams

Throw Down Markers

12-16

Mark playing boundaries and key areas

Alternative: Cones, spot markers, bean bags

Cones

Define playing areas and create crease zones

Alternative: Witches hats, throw down markers

Balls

4 (plus 2 spare)

One per game, spares for continuous play

Alternative: Rugby balls, playground balls, foam balls for beginners

Posts

Place face down against walls with opening accessible

Alternative: Large cones, bins, marked wall targets

Stopwatch

For timed activities and game periods

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Invasion

Moving into an opponent's territory to score while protecting your own area

Possession

Having control of the ball and maintaining it within your team

Territory

The area of play that a team controls or defends

Pivot

Rotating on one foot to change direction while maintaining ball control

Dead Zone

An area where players cannot enter, typically around goals for safety

Tactical Awareness

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

Students maintain possession for extended periods

Clear communication is evident during play

Teams adapt tactics based on opposition

Individual skills improve under game pressure

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