Unit Plan 34 (Grade 3 PE): Strategy Games & Mini-Tournaments

Focus: Develop simple offensive and defensive strategies, reinforce teamwork and sportsmanship, and help students practice self-control during short competitive games.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Strategy Games • Mini-Tournaments • Sportsmanship & Team Play)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore strategy games and mini-tournaments as a way to apply skills they have practiced earlier in the year in short, exciting game formats. In this unit, students begin with a quick review of sportsmanship expectations and signals so they can remember how to play safely, listen for teacher cues, and respond respectfully during competitive moments. They then participate in Mini-Tournaments using short games such as 3v3 soccer, 3v3 handball, or four-square ladders, where they practice moving to open space, defending important areas, encouraging teammates, and handling wins and losses appropriately. Throughout the unit, students focus on using simple strategy, cooperating with teammates, and showing self-control while games are active and competitive.

Essential Questions

• How can I help my team on offense during a small-sided game?
• What does good defense look like in a mini-game?
• How can I show sportsmanship during a tournament?
• What should I do if a game does not go my way?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Combine locomotor and object-control skills during modified small-sided games.
2. Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, passing to teammates, and making helpful game decisions.
3. Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and the goal or target and attempting safe interceptions.
4. Cooperate with teammates by sharing roles, encouraging others, and participating fairly during short tournament play.
5. Show self-control and emotional regulation during competitive games, including wins, losses, and disagreements.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3f – Combining Skills in Small-Sided Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills (run, dodge, throw, catch, strike, kick) in modified small-sided games.
  • Example: Students play 3v3 passing games where they must move to open space, receive a pass, and attempt to score in a goal zone.
• PE:S2.3d – Basic Offensive Strategies Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, passing to an open teammate, and using quick changes of direction.
  • Example: In mini-soccer, students move into open space to receive a pass then quickly dribble toward the goal.
• PE:S2.3e – Basic Defensive Strategies Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and a goal or target and attempting to intercept passes.
  • Example: In keep-away, students position themselves between the passer and target to block or intercept the ball.
• PE:S4.3b – Cooperation, Encouragement, and Teamwork Cooperate with partners and teams, share equipment, take turns, and encourage others.
  • Example: Students rotate through stations smoothly, give positive feedback to teammates, and help reset equipment.
• PE:S4.3c – Self-Control & Emotional Regulation Demonstrate self-control, manage frustration, and respond appropriately when games do not go their way.
  • Example: Students remain calm when they are tagged out or lose a game and rejoin the activity without arguing.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use my skills in a real mini-game.
• I can move to open space and help on offense.
• I can stay between my player and the goal or target on defense.
• I can encourage my teammates and play fairly.
• I can stay calm and show sportsmanship during games.