Team Strategy & Communication

Overview

Age group: Key Stage 2 (Ages 9-11)
Class size: 25 students
Lesson length: 45 minutes
Unit: Active Adventures in PE (Lesson 6 of 8)
Lesson focus: Understanding and applying team strategy and communication skills in soccer and basketball
Curriculum links:

• National Curriculum for Physical Education (England, 2014)
  • Pupils should develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
  • Pupils should be taught to use tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in direct competition through team and individual games.
  • Pupils should be taught to communicate effectively, working collaboratively with others.
• Sport England’s ‘Physical Education for Primary Schools’ – Emphasises teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, most pupils will:

1. Understand the role of clear communication within a team.
2. Develop and explain simple strategies for both soccer and basketball in groups.
3. Demonstrate how teamwork and strategic thinking can enhance game performance.

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Equipment Needed

• Cones for marking playing areas
• 2 Size 4 footballs (soccer balls)
• 2 Basketballs
• Whistle
• Mini whiteboards or clipboards with paper and pens (for strategy notes)
• Bibs in two colours (team identification)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-up (8 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and muscle groups

• Begin with a fun communication warm-up called “Silent Line-Up”:
  • Challenge students to line up in order of their birthdays without talking – only using gestures.
  • Discuss how communication can be non-verbal and its importance in games.
• Move into a dynamic warm-up including:
  • Jogging around the pitch for 1 minute.
  • High knees and butt kicks for 1 minute each.
  • Quick directional changes signalling different moves ("left" or "right" shouted by teacher).

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2. Core Activity 1: Team Strategy Discussion (12 minutes)

Objective: Develop team game plans for soccer and basketball

• Divide class into 5 groups of 5 students (mix abilities, ensure inclusivity).
• Assign each group either soccer or basketball. Ask groups to:
  • Use mini whiteboards or clipboards to brainstorm and write down a simple game plan (attack and defence strategy).
  • Focus on roles (e.g., who defends, who attacks), communication signals (verbal or hand signals), and movement patterns (e.g., passing lanes, spacing).
• Circulate to prompt deeper thinking with questions such as:
  • How will you communicate while playing?
  • What will you do if the opposing team is blocking your passes?
  • How will teammates support each other?
• Ask two groups (one soccer, one basketball) to briefly share their plan before moving on.

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3. Core Activity 2: Game Play with Strategy Implementation (18 minutes)

Objective: Apply strategies and practice communication in small-sided games

• Set up two 5-a-side game areas (one for soccer, one for basketball).
• Rotate groups so each has a chance to play both sports across the class time (approx. 9 mins per game).
• Emphasise the use of their developed strategies and continuous verbal/non-verbal communication.
• Teacher acts as a facilitator, pausing the game briefly (after 4 minutes or key moments) to ask teams to reflect on teamwork and communication effectiveness.
• Encourage positive peer feedback on teamwork during mini-game intervals.

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4. Plenary & Reflection (7 minutes)

Objective: Consolidate learning and encourage metacognition

• Gather students into a circle. Ask reflective questions:
  • What communication worked well during your game?
  • How did your strategy help or hinder your team?
  • What would you change in your next game plan?
• Introduce the concept of continual improvement in sports teamwork, linking to lifelong skills and growth mindset.
• End with a quick energising group cheer using a team chant created during the warm-up for a sense of unity.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Provide visual aids and simple diagrams for students who benefit from visual learning during strategy planning.
• Assign roles in games to match skill levels and confidence, e.g., supporting positions can help build confidence.
• Encourage quieter students to participate in communication planning through paired talk before group sharing.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observe student engagement and ability to articulate their strategy during group discussions.
• Observe use of communication skills during game play and provide immediate constructive feedback.
• Use plenary reflections to assess understanding and encourage self-assessment.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Developing speaking and listening skills through group communication and presenting game plans.
• Maths: Spatial awareness and understanding angles and distances in passing and positioning.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Focus on fostering an environment where collaboration is celebrated over competition.
• Highlight the transferable nature of communication and tactical planning skills beyond sports – e.g., in group projects or daily life.
• Use positive reinforcement to build student confidence in leadership and teamwork roles.

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Next lesson preview: Lesson 7 will introduce “Fitness Challenges & Healthy Competition” to build on these teamwork skills with a focus on personal fitness goals and measuring progress.