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Lesson 4 - Strategic Target Attack and Defence

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 tactical awareness and timing transform your success in target-based games?

Learning Objectives

Apply tactical defensive and offensive strategies when attacking or protecting targets
Develop accuracy and consistency in throwing techniques under pressure
Understand and implement tactical applications of attack and defence in invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate strategic thinking in both attacking and defending scenarios
Students will show improved accuracy and technique when throwing at targets
Students will communicate effectively to execute team tactics in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

2 per group of 8 students (16 total)

Stored in equipment bags at court corners for quick access

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft playground balls

Coloured Bibs

15 (two different colours)

One colour for attacking teams, another for defending teams

Alternative: Coloured bands or team shirts

Bowling Pins

1 per group (4 total)

Must be easily knocked over but stable when standing

Alternative: Plastic bottles, cones with tennis balls on top

Hoops

1 per group (4 total)

Positioned to create 2-metre diameter defensive zones

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

20 for boundary marking

Mark playing area boundaries and team zones

Alternative: Throw-down markers, chalk lines

Stopwatch

For timing game rounds and transitions

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Dead Zone

The area immediately around a target where players cannot enter

Tactical Positioning

Strategic placement of players to maximise defensive or offensive advantage

Overarm Throw

Throwing technique with arm moving over the shoulder for power and accuracy

Underarm Throw

Throwing technique with arm swinging below shoulder level for precision

Target Acquisition

Process of identifying and focusing on the intended target before throwing

Transition Play

Switching quickly between offensive and defensive roles

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of simple game rules and boundaries
Experience working in small teams

Current Skills

Strategic positioning in attack and defence
Accuracy under pressure and time constraints
Tactical decision-making in competitive scenarios

Next Steps

Complex invasion game strategies
Leadership roles in competitive team sports
Advanced tactical analysis and game planning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy from various distances and angles

Quick tactical adjustments based on game situation

Effective communication during high-pressure moments

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking always trumps throwing power in competitive success
Communication is the foundation of effective team strategy
Accuracy under pressure improves through progressive practice
Role transitions require mental flexibility and adaptation
Safety protocols must be maintained even during competitive intensity
Individual skill contributes to team tactical effectiveness
Strategic positioning is more important than individual athleticism

Common Misconceptions

Throwing harder always means more success - correct with accuracy emphasis
Only the best thrower needs to participate in tactics - emphasise everyone's role
Defence is passive - show active defensive strategies and counterattacks
Games are won by individual brilliance - highlight team coordination successes
Complex tactics are too difficult for this age - demonstrate with progressive building

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, use high-energy activities to channel focus

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls for easier handling, provide extra time for motor planning, offer alternative throwing techniques

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson progression, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide verbal descriptions of tactical setups, assign sighted partner for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written tactical instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify throwing distance based on ability, provide alternative throwing implements if needed, allow seated play positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles and trajectories for optimal throwing, measuring distances and accuracy percentages, timing analysis of game strategies

Science

Understanding forces and motion in throwing, momentum and energy transfer, human body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, map reading skills applied to tactical positioning, understanding of angles and directions

PSHE

Leadership development through tactical decision-making, resilience building through competitive challenges, cooperation and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate actively between groups, positioning for maximum visibility of throwing activities and team interactions

Observation Focus

Balance attention between technical skill development and tactical decision-making progress

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs correction, or teams struggle with tactical concepts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, real-time tactical examples during games, positive reinforcement of good decision-making

Verbal Cues

•'Accuracy over power!'
•'Think tactically!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Quick look, quick throw!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m indoor space with 3m height clearance for throwing

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate impact absorption for dynamic movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Only soft balls approved for indoor throwing
•Targets stable but easily knocked over
•Hula hoops flat on ground without raised edges
•All equipment regularly inspected for damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities
•Collisions during rapid movement between attack and defence
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones with adequate separation between groups
•Soft balls only, thrown below shoulder height when targeting people
•Progressive skill building before full competitive games
•Clear boundaries and movement rules established
•Regular water breaks and intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear visibility of all throwing activities
•Actively move between groups during games
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if unsafe
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear pathway to exit maintained