Lessons · Teaching · games, rules and the lesson that is not a free-for-all
A games lesson that is a lesson
Games are grouped as invasion, net or wall, striking and fielding, and target, and games within a group share tactics. A games lesson teaches a skill or a tactical idea and uses the game to practise it, rather than using the lesson to play a game.
Hone is a place to practise a career, one idea a day. This is one of its lessons, written out in full and free to read without an account.
In beta. This lesson was written for Hone and has not yet been checked by a state certification officer. Practice material, not professional advice. What that means.
What it is for
The default primary games lesson is a full-sided match in which six children touch the ball and twenty-four stand still. Grouping games by type and teaching the shared tactic gives every child something to do, and it is what the examination is asking about when it asks how a games lesson is structured.
How to think about it
Pick the tactical idea first, then the smallest game that forces it. Small sides mean more touches for everybody. Change a condition rather than giving a lecture: a rule that makes the tactic necessary teaches it faster than explaining it does.
Worked example
Invasion games share one idea: create space, use space, deny spaceFootball, netball, basketball and hockey are the same lesson at this age.
Three against three gives four times the touches of eleven against elevenThe most effective single change available in a primary games lesson.
Condition the game rather than lecturing: 'two passes before a shot' teaches support playThe rule makes the tactic necessary, and the children discover it rather than being told.
Net and wall games share sending, returning and recovering to a ready positionWhich is why a tennis idea transfers straight to a volleyball lesson.
Your turn
Name the family that football, netball and hockey belong to.
Games about getting into their territory are games
Solve one, graded on the server
The trap
Running a full-sided match as the lesson. It is popular, it looks like physical education, and most of the class is standing. Small sides and a condition are what put everybody in the lesson.