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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can plan and execute strategies to attack and defend.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: a long kick or a series of hand passes helps to quickly transition play from one side of the pitch to another.
      2. Think: good decision making helps teams to win games by improving attacking efficiency and strengthening defensive play.
      3. Feel: consistent practice builds confidence and allows you to execute more advanced techniques reliably in a game.
      4. Connect: good communication skills are crucial when applying strategies as a team.

      Keywords

      • Switching play - moving the ball quickly from one side of the pitch to the other to exploit space

      • Strategy - a plan of action or approach designed to achieve a specific goal or outcome

      • Decision making - a player's ability to quickly assess game situations and choose the most effective action

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle to recognise the right movement to execute different strategies, which results in losing possession or missed opportunities.

      Break down the games so you can focus on good decision making. Stop game play when a poor is decision made to ask pupils to identify and resolve the problem.

      Teacher tip

      If pupils are not ready to apply strategies and to move into game play, continue to work on independent skills, or focus on small-sided games with an increased number of attacking players, so pupils are experiencing success.

      Equipment

      1 ball per pair, approx 50 cones of various colours, small 5 a side goals (if available), bibs

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following help you perform an effective roll off?

      Correct answer: fast feet
      slow hands
      pointed toes

      Q2.
      How do you move when you fake a movement to send a defender the wrong way?

      slowly
      carefully
      Correct answer: explosively

      Q3.
      What should we show our teammates who are struggling to pick up new rules?

      frustration
      Correct answer: empathy
      pity

      Q4.
      What rule are we breaking if we bounce the ball twice without soloing?

      Correct answer: double hop
      over playing
      over carrying

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What can help us to build confidence to apply more advanced techniques in a game?

      Correct answer: consistent practice
      improvisation
      limited practice

      Q2.
      What are we trying to do when we switch play from one side of the pitch to another?

      Correct answer: exploit space
      congest the space
      limit the space

      Q3.
      What are we employing if we devise a plan of action to create a scoring opportunity?

      movement
      technique
      Correct answer: strategy

      Q4.
      When making an overlapping run, how can we ensure we exploit gaps on the pitch?

      stand in space
      Correct answer: accelerate into space
      avoid the space

      To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Teamwork and strategy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...