Unit Plan 4 (Grade 4 PE): Flag Football Concepts & Play

Focus: Develop route-running, safe flag pulling, stronger offensive and defensive positioning, and clear team communication through small-sided flag football games.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Flag Football • Small-Sided Games • Offense & Defense)

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

I. Introduction

Students build flag football understanding by learning how to move with purpose, communicate with teammates, and play safely in a small-sided game setting. In this unit, students begin with route-running practice where they learn simple patterns such as slants, outs, and posts at different speeds, along with partner route shadowing to help them understand both offense and defense. They then apply those skills in 4v4 flag football games using basic play calls such as run left/right, quick pass, and deep route. Throughout the unit, students focus on running clean routes, pulling flags safely, spreading out on offense, staying between their player and the end zone on defense, and working together through shared team roles.

Essential Questions

• How do simple routes help an offense create better passing opportunities?
• What does safe and successful flag pulling look like?
• How can players use better positioning on offense and defense?
• How does clear team communication help a small-sided game run more smoothly?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor movements with control while sprinting, cutting, stopping, and changing direction in route-running and game play.
2. Combine skills in sequence, such as run route → catch pass → advance → defend next play.
3. Apply simple offensive strategies such as moving without the ball, creating passing lanes, and using basic play calls.
4. Apply basic defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and the end zone, marking a player, and pulling flags safely.
5. Work cooperatively with teammates by sharing roles, listening to play calls, and encouraging all players to participate.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.4a – Locomotor Skills in Dynamic Games Perform locomotor skills (run, hop, jump, leap, slide, gallop, skip) with control and efficiency while changing speed and direction in game situations.
  • Example: Students use controlled sprinting, stopping, and quick changes of direction during tag, invasion games, or chasing/fleeing activities.
• PE:S1.4f – Combining Skills in Game Sequences Combine multiple skills (dribble, pass, catch, shoot, strike, run, dodge) in game-like sequences with basic fluidity.
  • Example: In handball lead-up games, students catch a pass, take a few steps to open space, and then pass or shoot toward a goal.
• PE:S2.4d – Offensive Strategies in Small-Sided Games Demonstrate basic offensive strategies such as moving without the ball, creating passing lanes, using give-and-go plays, and choosing high-percentage shots.
  • Example: In a 3v3 basketball or soccer game, students cut to open space to receive a pass and choose appropriate times to shoot.
• PE:S2.4e – Defensive Strategies & Position Play Demonstrate basic defensive ideas such as maintaining proper position (between opponent and goal), marking a player, and attempting legal interceptions.
  • Example: A student stays between an opponent and the goal in handball or soccer, trying to block shots or intercept passes without fouling.
• PE:S4.4b – Cooperation, Leadership, and Team Roles Work cooperatively with classmates, accept and share roles (captain, scorekeeper, equipment manager), and demonstrate inclusive leadership.
  • Example: During small-sided games, students rotate roles fairly, encourage quieter peers to participate, and help organize teams.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can run a simple route with control and change direction without slowing too much.
• I can help on offense by moving to open space and listening to the play call.
• I can defend by staying between my player and the end zone and pulling flags safely.
• I can work with my team by sharing roles and communicating clearly.
• I can help make the game fair by playing safely and including my teammates.