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PE Games for Secondary Schools | Sefton Schools Sports
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Sefton School Sports

101 PE Games - Secondary

Competitive activities for teenage athletes

Official Games Collection

A UK PE Group brand

101 Fun PE Games - Secondary Edition

Professional handbook for ages 11-16 | A4 Landscape Format

101 Fun PE Games

Secondary & Middle School Edition

Ages 11–16 | KS3–KS4 | GCSE PE Aligned

PE Resources UK

www.pe-resources.uk

Professional Teacher Handbook | Full Colour | Interactive PDF

Introduction

Welcome to 101 Fun PE Games — Secondary & Middle School Edition, your comprehensive resource for delivering engaging, curriculum-aligned Physical Education for pupils aged 11-16.

This handbook provides 101 carefully designed games across 15 themed chapters, each mapped to the National Curriculum for Physical Education (KS3-KS4) and GCSE PE specifications.

What's Inside This Handbook

15 Curriculum-Aligned Chapters

Covering all major sports and fitness areas

101 Complete Games

With full instructions and variations

GCSE PE Integration

Direct links to exam specifications

Differentiation Strategies

Support and challenge for every game

Assessment Rubrics

Level 1-4 criteria for each chapter

UK Terminology

Football, netball, rounders, athletics

How to Use This Handbook

1. Select by Curriculum Area

Choose chapters aligned with your current scheme of work

2. Adapt for Your Class

Use differentiation boxes to meet all abilities

3. Link to GCSE

Use games as practical examples for theory lessons

4. Assess Progress

Apply end-of-chapter rubrics for formative assessment

Curriculum Mapping: All games align with the National Curriculum statutory requirements to ensure pupils develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities, are physically active for sustained periods, engage in competitive sports, and lead healthy, active lives.

Contents

4

Netball - Court Craft & Shooting

7 games | Coming in full version

5

Rugby - Contact & Game Understanding

7 games | Coming in full version

6

Basketball - Team Offense & Defense

7 games | Coming in full version

7

Fitness & Conditioning

7 games | Coming in full version

8

Volleyball - Court Systems & Rallying

7 games | Coming in full version

9

Badminton & Tennis - Racquet Sports

7 games | Coming in full version

10

Cricket - Batting & Fielding Skills

7 games | Coming in full version

11

Hockey - Stick Skills & Teamwork

7 games | Coming in full version

12

Handball & Indoor Games

7 games | Coming in full version

13

Cross Country & Endurance Training

7 games | Coming in full version

14

Fitness Testing & Analysis

7 games | Coming in full version

15

Leadership & Officiating

7 games | Coming in full version

CHAPTER 1

Competitive Warm-Ups & Team Challenges

KS3: Develop physical competence
GCSE PE: Leadership and communication skills
GAME 1

Strategic Square Tag

Decision-making, spatial awareness, communication

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop tactical awareness in competitive activities

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Analyse performance and make informed decisions

⚙️ Equipment

Cones (4 corner markers), bibs

👥 Group Size

16-30 pupils

🏗️ Setup

Create a 20x20m square. Two taggers start inside, all others on perimeter.

🎮 How to Play

Taggers work together to tag runners crossing the square. Tagged players become taggers. Runners must cross within 10 seconds of being called.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Taggers: Communicate to cut off angles
  • Runners: Time your runs, use dummy movements
  • Emphasise teamwork over individual chasing

📊 Differentiation

Support

Larger area, one tagger only, allow walking

Challenge

Smaller area, 3 taggers, runners must touch opposite line, add tactical roles: decoy runners, blocker

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Observe communication between taggers, runners' decision-making timing

GAME 2

Captain's Orders Fitness

Reaction time, cardiovascular endurance, listening skills

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop physical fitness components

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Components of fitness: reaction time, cardiovascular endurance

⚙️ Equipment

Cones, whistle

👥 Group Size

15-30 pupils

🏗️ Setup

Mark boundaries. Teacher is 'captain'.

🎮 How to Play

Pupils jog/move around area. Captain calls commands (e.g., 'Hit the deck!' = lie prone; 'Port!' = run left side; 'Starboard!' = run right). Last 3 to complete do 5 burpees.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Quick transitions between exercises
  • Maintain good form even when fatigued
  • Call commands at varying intervals to maintain engagement

📊 Differentiation

Support

Use visual cues alongside verbal commands, reduce penalty exercises

Challenge

Add complex multi-step commands, increase tempo, pupils take turns as captain (leadership opportunity)

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Response time, quality of movement under fatigue

GAME 3

Zone Defence Challenge

Tactical positioning, team organisation, communication

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Understand and apply principles of defence

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Tactical concepts in invasion games

⚙️ Equipment

Cones, 3 balls, bibs

👥 Group Size

12-20 pupils (teams of 6-10)

🏗️ Setup

Create three 10x10m zones. Defending team assigns 2-3 players per zone.

🎮 How to Play

Attacking team tries to keep possession through all three zones for 30 seconds to score. Defenders can't leave their zone. Rotate roles every 2 minutes.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Defenders: Cover passing lanes, communicate with adjacent zones
  • Attackers: Draw defenders before passing to next zone
  • Emphasise positional play over chasing

📊 Differentiation

Support

Larger zones, unlimited touches

Challenge

2-touch limit, add fourth zone, time pressure, defenders can intercept in adjacent zone for 2 seconds

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Defensive shape maintenance, communication quality, tactical understanding

GAME 4

Leadership Relay Sprint

Leadership, delegation, sprint technique

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Take on leadership roles

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Leadership styles in sport

⚙️ Equipment

Cones, batons/balls

👥 Group Size

Teams of 5-7

🏗️ Setup

Standard relay lanes (30-40m). First runner is 'team leader'.

🎮 How to Play

Leader assigns running order and sets team strategy (e.g., strongest runner last). After relay, team reviews leader's decisions. Rotate leadership each round.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Leaders: Make clear, quick decisions
  • Team: Provide constructive feedback
  • Focus on baton technique and exchange zones

📊 Differentiation

Support

Shorter distance, walk-jog option

Challenge

Add obstacles, change running styles per leg, leader acts as coach during race but can't run

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Leadership decision-making, team cohesion, sprint technique

GAME 5

Tactical Timeout

Game analysis, problem-solving, communication

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Analyse and evaluate performance

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Principles of training: specificity, progression

⚙️ Equipment

Balls, goals, bibs, tactics boards (optional)

👥 Group Size

Teams of 6-8

🏗️ Setup

Half-court space. Two teams playing small-sided game.

🎮 How to Play

Play 5-minute games. Each team gets two 60-second timeouts to discuss tactics. Team captain must explain changes to teacher. Observe if tactics improve performance.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Identify specific problems (e.g., 'left side is weak')
  • Propose concrete solutions
  • Implement changes immediately

📊 Differentiation

Support

Give tactical prompts, extend timeout to 90 seconds

Challenge

Only 30-second timeouts, no coach input, assign roles: analyst, captain, motivator

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Quality of analysis, implementation of tactics, team cooperation

GAME 6

Fitness Component Circuit

Understanding fitness components, work ethic

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop components of fitness

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Health-related fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition, muscular strength

⚙️ Equipment

Station cards, timer, various equipment (boxes, mats, balls)

👥 Group Size

6-30 pupils

🏗️ Setup

6 stations, each targeting a different fitness component. 45 seconds work, 15 seconds transition.

🎮 How to Play

Station 1: Speed (shuttle runs); Station 2: Power (box jumps); Station 3: Endurance (step-ups); Station 4: Flexibility (dynamic stretches); Station 5: Agility (ladder drills); Station 6: Strength (press-ups)

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Explain which component each station develops
  • Maintain proper form throughout
  • Self-regulate intensity (RPE 7-8/10)

📊 Differentiation

Support

Longer rest, regression exercises, 30-second work

Challenge

60-second work, advanced variations, minimal rest, pupils design own station for specific sport

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Understanding of fitness components, work rate, technique quality

GAME 7

Communication Gauntlet

Verbal/non-verbal communication, teamwork

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Work collaboratively with others

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Communication in sport: verbal, non-verbal, feedback

⚙️ Equipment

Cones, blindfolds (optional), obstacles

👥 Group Size

Pairs within larger group

🏗️ Setup

Create obstacle course. One pupil blindfolded/eyes closed, partner guides verbally.

🎮 How to Play

Guide partner through course using only verbal directions. Time each pair. Rotate roles. Discuss which communication methods worked best.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Guides: Be specific ('2 steps forward' not 'a bit more')
  • Blindfolded: Trust partner, move confidently
  • Reflect on communication challenges

📊 Differentiation

Support

Sighted partner can walk alongside, simpler course

Challenge

No verbal allowed (clapping/whistles only), complex course, multiple blindfolded pupils with one caller

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Quality of communication, trust development, problem-solving

📋Chapter 1 Assessment Rubric

Level 1

Limited tactical awareness; struggles to communicate with teammates; minimal engagement in problem-solving

Level 2

Basic understanding of tactics; communicates occasionally; attempts to solve problems with prompting

Level 3

Good tactical awareness; communicates effectively most of the time; actively contributes to problem-solving

Level 4

Excellent tactical insight; leads communication; proactively identifies and solves tactical challenges

CHAPTER 2

Athletics Development

KS3: Develop technique in athletics activities
GCSE PE: Biomechanics, lever systems, planes of movement
GAME 8

Sprint Start Progressions

Acceleration technique, reaction time, power development

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop and refine sprint technique

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Biomechanics: Newton's Laws (action-reaction in blocks)

⚙️ Equipment

Starting blocks (optional), cones, stopwatch

👥 Group Size

Heats of 4-6 pupils

🏗️ Setup

30m sprint lanes with clear start/finish lines.

🎮 How to Play

Progress through: standing start, crouch start, 3-point start, blocks. Focus on drive phase (first 10m). Time each attempt. Analyse video if available.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Drive: 45° angle, powerful arm drive, short steps
  • Transition: Gradual rise to upright sprinting (20-30m)
  • Arms: 90° at elbow, drive elbows back forcefully

📊 Differentiation

Support

Standing starts only, focus on arm action

Challenge

Reaction drills, resistance bands, timed heats, analyse elite sprinters' start phases (video)

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Technique observation checklist, 30m time comparison

GAME 9

Hurdle Rhythm & Flow

Rhythm, coordination, hurdle technique

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop fluency in athletic movements

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Skill continuum: open vs closed skills (hurdling as closed)

⚙️ Equipment

Hurdles (adjustable heights), cones

👥 Group Size

Lines of 4-6 pupils

🏗️ Setup

5 hurdles set at appropriate heights and distances (3-stride rhythm for most pupils).

🎮 How to Play

Walk-throughs → jog-throughs → sprint-throughs. Focus on lead leg (straight, knee up), trail leg (knee out, toe up). Count strides between hurdles.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Lead leg: Attack hurdle, drive knee up and over
  • Trail leg: Knee to armpit, stay low
  • Rhythm: Maintain stride pattern, don't chop steps

📊 Differentiation

Support

Lower hurdles, wider spacing, walk-throughs

Challenge

Regulation heights, tighter spacing, time trials, analyse optimal stride patterns for different heights

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Technique checklist (lead leg, trail leg, rhythm), improvement over session

GAME 10

Long Jump Flight Techniques

Take-off mechanics, flight techniques, landing

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop power and coordination in jumping

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Lever systems: hip joint in take-off (3rd class lever)

⚙️ Equipment

Long jump pit/mats, measuring tape, run-up markers

👥 Group Size

8-12 pupils (rotate)

🏗️ Setup

Mark run-up distances (adjust per pupil). Safety mats in landing area.

🎮 How to Play

Establish consistent run-up (10-14 strides). Focus on: penultimate stride (lower centre of mass), take-off (explosive, tall), flight (hang or hitch-kick), landing (heels first, fall forward).

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Run-up: Controlled acceleration, hit board consistently
  • Take-off: Convert horizontal speed to vertical lift
  • Flight: Arms up, chest up (hang) or cycling legs (hitch-kick)
  • Landing: Heels hit first, bring body forward over feet

📊 Differentiation

Support

Shorter run-up, focus on take-off only, standing long jump

Challenge

Full run-up, introduce hitch-kick, competition format, calculate take-off angle using video analysis

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Technique checklist, distance improvement, consistency

GAME 11

Shot Put Power Development

Rotational power, putting technique, force application

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop explosive strength in throwing

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Planes of movement: transverse plane rotation

⚙️ Equipment

Shot puts (various weights), throwing circle, measuring tape

👥 Group Size

6-10 pupils (rotate through stations)

🏗️ Setup

Throwing circle or marked area. Safety zone clearly marked.

🎮 How to Play

Teach glide or rotation technique. Start with standing put, progress to full technique. Focus on: grip, chin position, hip drive, explosive put, follow-through.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Grip: Fingers spread, shot sits on palm base, against neck
  • Power position: Wide base, torso rotation, aggressive hip drive
  • Release: Push through shot, not around it; release at 40-42°
  • Safety: Never turn back on throwing area

📊 Differentiation

Support

Lighter implements, standing put only, target practice

Challenge

Regulation weight, full glide/rotation, competition, analyse force application using video (summation of forces)

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Safety awareness, technique progression, distance improvement

GAME 12

Middle Distance Pacing Strategy

Pacing, race tactics, cardiovascular endurance

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop tactics in running activities

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Energy systems: aerobic system dominant in 800m-1500m

⚙️ Equipment

Track/marked course, stopwatches, lap counters

👥 Group Size

Heats of 6-10 pupils

🏗️ Setup

400m lap or equivalent marked course.

🎮 How to Play

Target distance: 800m. Goal: Run negative splits (2nd lap faster than 1st). Practise pacing: even pace (e.g., 2:00 = 60s per lap), tempo runs, race simulation.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • 1st lap: Controlled, stick to target pace (60-70% effort)
  • 2nd lap: Build gradually, strong finish (80-90% effort)
  • Breathing: Rhythmic, don't panic if challenged
  • Tactics: Where to position in pack, when to kick

📊 Differentiation

Support

600m distance, slower target pace, walk breaks allowed

Challenge

1500m, faster target, tactical race scenarios, create personalised training plan based on times

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Lap split times, ability to hold target pace, tactical awareness

GAME 13

Relay Exchange Mastery

Baton technique, timing, teamwork

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop coordination and cooperation

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Skill classification: interactive, externally paced

⚙️ Equipment

Batons, cones (exchange zones), stopwatch

👥 Group Size

Teams of 4

🏗️ Setup

Mark 20m exchange zones. 100m total per leg (or adjust for space).

🎮 How to Play

Practise: visual pass (incoming runner watches baton) vs blind pass (outgoing runner doesn't look back). Focus on: acceleration zone, timing, hand position, continuation.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Outgoing runner: Accelerate at mark (10m before zone), arm back, palm up
  • Incoming runner: 'Hand!' call, push baton firmly into palm
  • Exchange: Upward push into downward grip, no slowing
  • Practice: Consistency matters more than speed initially

📊 Differentiation

Support

Visual passes only, longer zones, walk-throughs

Challenge

Blind passes, regulation zones, full-speed heats, calculate optimal exchange point based on runner speeds

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Exchange success rate, time comparison, teamwork

GAME 14

Triple Jump Rhythm Pattern

Hop-step-jump coordination, rhythm, distance distribution

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop complex movement patterns

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Motor skills: complex coordination, proprioception

⚙️ Equipment

Triple jump pit/runway, measuring tape, markers

👥 Group Size

8-12 pupils (rotate)

🏗️ Setup

Marked runway with take-off board and pit/landing area.

🎮 How to Play

Teach rhythm: Hop (same foot lands as took off), Step (opposite foot), Jump (both feet land). Practice pattern on flat before pit. Ideal ratio: 35% hop, 30% step, 35% jump.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Hop: Maintain speed, active landing (not passive)
  • Step: Quick ground contact, drive knee up
  • Jump: Longest phase, bring legs through for landing
  • Rhythm: 'Same, other, both' - keep chanting rhythm

📊 Differentiation

Support

Mark optimal landing spots, reduced run-up, flat ground

Challenge

Full run-up, pit jumps, competition format, video analysis: Compare phase distances to elite ratios

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Rhythm consistency, phase balance, total distance

📋Chapter 2 Assessment Rubric

Level 1

Basic technique with significant flaws; limited understanding of biomechanical principles; inconsistent performance

Level 2

Developing technique with some flaws; basic understanding of biomechanics; some consistency

Level 3

Good technique with minor flaws; clear understanding of biomechanics; consistent performance

Level 4

Excellent technique; applies biomechanical principles to enhance performance; highly consistent and competitive

CHAPTER 3

Football - Tactical Development

KS3: Develop skills in invasion games
GCSE PE: Principles of attack and defence, decision-making
GAME 15

Possession Grid - Pressing Systems

Pressing triggers, compactness, teamwork

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Understand principles of defence

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Tactics: pressing, defensive shape, transition

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, cones (10x10m grids), bibs

👥 Group Size

Groups of 6-8 (5v2 or 6v3)

🏗️ Setup

10x10m grid. Possession team (5-6 players) vs pressing team (2-3).

🎮 How to Play

Possession team: Keep ball for as long as possible. Pressing team: Win ball within 15 seconds. When ball is won, teams swap roles immediately. Focus on pressing triggers (bad touch, back pass, wide player).

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Pressers: Work in pairs, one presses ball, one covers pass
  • Curve runs to show pass inside
  • Possession team: Move ball quickly, use width
  • Communication: 'Press!', 'Hold!', 'Cover!'

📊 Differentiation

Support

Smaller grid, 2 pressers vs 7, unlimited touches

Challenge

Larger grid, 3v6, 2-touch limit, add transition goals: If pressers win ball and pass out of grid within 5s = bonus point

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Pressing coordination, decision-making (when to press), transition speed

GAME 16

Set Piece Scenarios

Attacking/defending set pieces, organisation, delivery

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Apply skills in game situations

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Tactics: set pieces, zonal vs man-marking

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, goals, cones, bibs

👥 Group Size

Teams of 8-11

🏗️ Setup

Full or half-pitch with goals. Various set piece positions marked.

🎮 How to Play

Rotate through: corners (near/far post), free kicks (direct/indirect), throw-ins (attacking third). Attacking team: Design routines. Defending team: Choose zonal or man-marking. Execute and review.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Corners: Movement patterns, near/far post runs, blockers
  • Free kicks: Wall positioning (10 yards), dummy runs
  • Delivery: Quality over power, hit target areas
  • Communication: Organise before ball is played

📊 Differentiation

Support

Unopposed practise, simplified routines

Challenge

Full opposition, time pressure, keeper communication, analyse pro team set pieces (video), recreate patterns

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Routine execution, defending organisation, delivery quality

GAME 17

Transition Speed Game

Counter-attacking, defensive recovery, speed of play

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop speed and decision-making

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Principles of attack: exploiting space, counter-attack

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, goals, bibs, cones

👥 Group Size

Teams of 6-8

🏗️ Setup

30x20m pitch with two goals. Midfielder neutral zone (5m) in middle.

🎮 How to Play

Teams attack opposite goals. When possession is lost, team must sprint back to defend. If team wins ball and scores within 5 seconds = 2 goals (regular goal = 1). Emphasise speed in transition.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Attacking transition: Look forward immediately, one touch if possible
  • Defensive transition: Sprint back, delay if outnumbered
  • First pass after win is crucial: Quality > distance
  • Communication: 'Turn!' or 'Man on!'

📊 Differentiation

Support

No bonus goals, larger area, walk-back recovery

Challenge

3-second bonus goal window, smaller area, man-down scenarios, track transition times, analyse decision-making in clips

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Transition speed, decision quality, work rate

GAME 18

Formation Flexibility Exercise

Understanding formations, positional play, adaptation

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Understand tactical principles

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Tactics: formations (4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2), roles and responsibilities

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, bibs, cones (to mark positions)

👥 Group Size

Teams of 9-11

🏗️ Setup

Half or full pitch. Cones mark starting positions for chosen formation.

🎮 How to Play

Team A: Start in 4-4-2. Team B: Start in 4-3-3. Play 8-minute game. After 4 minutes, teams switch formations. Discuss: How did formation change affect play? Which worked better? Why?

🎯 Coaching Points

  • 4-4-2: Compactness, wide midfielders track back
  • 4-3-3: Attacking width, central midfielder discipline
  • 3-5-2: Wing-backs crucial, central overload
  • Shape: Maintain positional discipline, adjust as team attacks/defends

📊 Differentiation

Support

Freeze game to adjust positions, coach input during play

Challenge

Mid-game formation changes without stoppage, pupils select formation based on opponent analysis

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Understanding of formations, positional discipline, tactical flexibility

GAME 19

Final Third Decision-Making

Shooting, passing, or dribbling selection, composure

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Apply skills under pressure

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Decision-making: shot selection, risk vs reward

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, goals, cones, bibs

👥 Group Size

Groups of 6-8

🏗️ Setup

Attacking scenarios in final third (18-yard area).

🎮 How to Play

Set up scenarios: 2v1, 3v2, 1v1 vs keeper. Attacking players must decide: Shoot, pass, or dribble? Award points: Goal = 3 pts, assist = 2 pts, good decision even if no goal = 1 pt. Discuss decisions after.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Shooting: Can you see goal? Is keeper positioned well? Is angle tight?
  • Passing: Is teammate in better position? Can you draw defender?
  • Dribbling: Is defender off-balance? Do you have space?
  • Composure: Take extra touch if needed, don't rush

📊 Differentiation

Support

Unopposed, decision prompts from coach

Challenge

Add extra defender, time pressure (5-sec limit), video analysis: Identify optimal decisions in match clips

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Decision-making quality, execution under pressure, tactical reasoning

GAME 20

Wide Play and Crossing

Crossing technique, attacking runs, positioning

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop attacking skills

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Techniques: crossing types (driven, lofted, cut-back)

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, goals, cones, bibs

👥 Group Size

Groups of 8-10

🏗️ Setup

Wide channels (flanks) and central attacking area with goal.

🎮 How to Play

Wide players: Deliver crosses from byline or inside. Attackers: Make runs (near post, far post, edge of box). Rotate: 3 crosses per winger, then switch. Award points for different crossing types and runs.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Crossing: Head up, weight of pass, target areas (near/far post, penalty spot)
  • Runs: Timing (don't arrive early), variety (diagonal, straight, check and go)
  • Finishing: Side-foot for placement, head or volley for power
  • Communication: Call for ball type (e.g., 'low!' or 'back post!')

📊 Differentiation

Support

Unopposed crossing, stationary targets

Challenge

Add defenders, counter-attack when ball is cleared, analyse crossing stats from real match (success rate, types)

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Crossing quality, attacking runs, finishing composure

GAME 21

Defensive Line Coordination

Offside trap, defensive line height, communication

📚 NCPE Learning Objective

Develop defensive teamwork

🎓 GCSE PE Connection

Tactics: defensive line, offside rule application

⚙️ Equipment

Footballs, cones (to mark line), bibs

👥 Group Size

Teams of 6-8 (4 defenders minimum)

🏗️ Setup

Half-pitch with marked defensive line (30m from goal).

🎮 How to Play

Defending team practises holding a line. Attacking team tries to break through with runs. Defenders: Call 'step!' to push up together. Practice holding line, dropping together, stepping to catch attackers offside.

🎯 Coaching Points

  • Communication: One defender (usually centre-back) calls 'hold!', 'step!', 'drop!'
  • Timing: Step up when ball is played backward or sideways
  • Stay compact: Arms distance between defenders
  • Watch ball and runner: Don't get caught ball-watching

📊 Differentiation

Support

Walking pace, freeze to check line, visual cues

Challenge

Game speed, no freezes, add through balls, measure line height (metres from goal) across different scenarios

✅ Assessment Opportunities

Line coordination, communication, tactical timing

📋Chapter 3 Assessment Rubric

Level 1

Limited tactical awareness; rarely makes effective decisions; struggles to apply formations or principles

Level 2

Basic tactical understanding; makes simple decisions; applies formations with prompting

Level 3

Good tactical awareness; makes effective decisions most of the time; applies formations and principles independently

Level 4

Excellent tactical insight; consistently makes optimal decisions under pressure; adapts tactics and shows leadership

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101 Fun PE Games - Secondary & Middle School Edition (Ages 11-16)

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