Invasion Games — Tactical Play — Year 6 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: PE KS2 — play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending; compare performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement
Overview
Pupils apply tactical concepts in invasion games across different contexts (football, basketball, tag rugby or hockey, depending on availability). They analyse attacking and defending strategies, make decisions in real-game situations, and lead tactical discussions with their team. The lesson develops the ability to think critically about sport, not just play it.
Learning Objectives
- Apply at least two attacking strategies (width, depth, switching play) in a game situation.
- Organise a team defence in a small-sided game, communicating roles and positions.
- Analyse a phase of play and identify what went well and what could be improved tactically.
- Lead a 90-second team talk between game periods, setting a clear tactical focus.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Rondo: 5v2 in a circle. Attackers keep the ball away from two defenders in the middle. Count passes. When defenders win it, two attackers become defenders. Debrief: what helped the attackers? (Width, quick passing, movement.) What helped the defenders? (Pressing, working together.)
Attacking principles: create and exploit overloads (3v2 breaks); use width to stretch the defence; depth gives options (play back to start again); switching play moves ball away from a concentrated defence. Demonstrate with cones and bibs: show a team bunched in the middle vs. spread wide. Defending principles: compact shape limits space; pressing winner who has the ball; covering and marking; communication. Show 'pressing trap': one defender pushes to the ball, another covers behind, forcing play into a corner.
5v5 game with one tactical constraint: 'You must move the ball to the other side of the pitch before you can score.' This forces teams to use width and switch play. Pause after five minutes: teams discuss — are you using width? Who is your deepest player? Give teams 90 seconds to set a tactical focus before resuming.
Full 6v6 game, teacher observes. One pupil per team is designated 'analyst' — they watch for two minutes then rotate in. Between the two halves, analysts lead the team talk: what worked? What will you change? Teacher notes pupils who give accurate tactical analysis.
Cool down: jog and stretches. Ask two analysts to share their best insight. Ask: what is the difference between pressing and jockeying? (Pressing wins the ball immediately; jockeying forces a mistake.) Which is riskier? Why do professional teams use both at different times?
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils think attacking means running forward constantly — sometimes play needs to go back to reset and find width.
- Defending = chasing the ball. A disciplined defensive shape is more effective than all players chasing possession.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Invasion game principles from across KS2 (space, support, transition, marking).
- Experience of specific invasion game sports (football, hockey, basketball) from Years 3-5.
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