Invasion Games — Tag and Space — Year 2 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: PE KS1 — engage in competitive and co-operative physical activities; master basic movements; apply these in a range of activities; begin to understand tactics
Overview
Pupils are introduced to the principles of invasion games through tag-based activities and small-sided games. They learn to use space to their advantage — moving into gaps, changing direction to lose a defender, and working with a partner to keep possession. The lesson develops tactical thinking, spatial awareness and communication skills alongside physical fitness.
Invasion Games — Tag and Space learning objectives
- Move into space to receive a pass or to make it difficult for a defender to tag them.
- Change direction and speed to avoid a defender in tag games.
- Pass to a partner who is in a better position.
- Describe one tactic they used and explain why it was effective.
Success criteria
- I can move into a space so a defender cannot reach me.
- I can change speed and direction to dodge.
- I can pass to a teammate who is free.
- I can say one tactic my team used.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Tag game: two taggers with bibs. If tagged, stand still with arms out — can be freed by a teammate crawling under their arms. Introduce concept of space: 'Don't bunch together — spread out!' Change taggers after two minutes. Debrief: what made it easy to avoid being tagged? (Moving into gaps, changing direction.)
Introduce invasion games concept: one team tries to move into the other's half to score. Key principles: create space (attackers spread out), deny space (defenders mark), pass into space (not at a player's feet). Demonstrate a 2v1 — attacker with ball, one support attacker, one defender. When should you pass? (When you're about to be tagged, when your partner is free.) Pupils practise 2v1 in small grids. Coaching: 'Show for the ball — call your partner's name.'
3v2 game in a grid: attackers try to carry a ball to the end line without being tagged. If tagged, ball goes to defenders. Teacher circulates: pause and ask questions — 'Why did you pass then? Where was the space?' Rotate defenders. Debrief after each two-minute game: one tactic that worked.
Small-sided game: 4v4 in a larger grid, same rules. Teams discuss a tactic before they start. Rotate teams after four minutes. Teacher observes and notes pupils demonstrating good spatial awareness.
Gather in a circle. Ask: what is 'space' in a game? Why do attackers want space? Why do defenders want to deny it? What happened when your team spread out? Cool down: walking jog around the perimeter, then gentle stretches.
Support and extension for invasion games — tag and space
Support
- Make the grid bigger so there is more space to find, and use one defender fewer.
- Use a softer, larger ball or a beanbag for passing.
- Give a simple cue to remember: “Spread out, call out, pass to the free person.”
Extension
- Shrink the grid or add a defender so pupils have to create space, not just find it.
- Introduce a “no running with the ball” rule so the team must pass to move forward.
- Ask pupils to coach a group, giving one tip about spacing.
Check for understanding
Quick questions for the plenary or an exit ticket. Tap a question to see the answer.
1. Where should you stand to get the ball from a teammate?
Answer: In a space away from defenders, where your teammate can see you.
2. When is a good time to pass?
Answer: When you are about to be tagged, or when a teammate is free and closer to the end line.
3. What should defenders try to do?
Answer: Mark attackers and close down the space so passes are hard.
4. Name one way to dodge a tagger.
Answer: Change direction, change speed or make a fake move.
Resources you will need
- Cones to mark grids
- Bibs in two colours
- Soft balls or beanbags
- A whistle or signal for stopping play
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils often ball-watch and cluster around whoever has the ball — explicitly teach and reward moving away from the ball into space.
- Thinking passing is giving away control — passing to a better-placed partner is the most effective way to keep and advance possession.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Experience of simple tag games and chasing/fleeing from Year 1.
- Basic running, dodging and changing direction skills.
Make it yours
Want a personalised version of this lesson?
Use Staffroom to generate a complete lesson plan tailored to your class — add context about ability, recent learning, or specific pupils and get a plan ready to teach. Free plan, no card required.