Unit Plan 13 (Grade 4 PE): Invasion Concepts without Equipment

Focus: Develop chasing, fleeing, cutting to open space, and strong defensive footwork through invasion-style games that do not require a ball or equipment.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Invasion Game Concepts • Agility & Movement • Offense & Defense without Equipment)

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

I. Introduction

Students learn that many important game concepts can be practiced even without a ball or stick. In this unit, students begin with change-of-direction runs, backpedals, and lateral shuffles so they can improve body control, quick reactions, and safe movement in open space. They then apply those movement skills in Endzone Tag, Shadow Defense, and simple territory games, where they practice chasing, fleeing, cutting to open space, and staying in good defensive position. Throughout the unit, students focus on using smart pathways, reading where space is open, moving with agility, and learning that great offense and defense start with how the body moves.

Essential Questions

• How can I use quick direction changes to get open or stay with an opponent?
• What does strong defensive footwork look like when there is no ball involved?
• How can moving to open space help on offense?
• Why is it useful to practice invasion concepts without equipment first?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor skills with control and efficiency while changing speed and direction during invasion-style movement games.
2. Use different pathways and quick changes of direction to escape defenders or stay with an offensive player.
3. Apply simple offensive strategies such as cutting to open space, changing direction at the right time, and attacking open territory.
4. Apply simple defensive strategies such as mirroring, staying between an opponent and a scoring area, and using balanced footwork.
5. Stay actively engaged in movement-based invasion games for most of class time.

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:S2.4b – Pathways, Levels, and Agility in Play Apply pathways (straight, curved, zigzag), levels (high, medium, low), and quick changes of direction to gain advantage in chasing, fleeing, and invasion games.
  • Example: Students use zigzag runs and quick stops/starts to evade defenders in flag games or tag activities.
• 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:S3.4a – Active Participation in MVPA Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for most of the class, minimizing off-task time.
  • Example: During fitness circuits, stations, or games, students remain engaged and moving rather than standing and watching others.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can run, shuffle, and backpedal with control when I change direction.
• I can use smart pathways to get open or avoid being tagged.
• I can move to open space on offense instead of standing still.
• I can stay with my player and use my feet to defend instead of reaching or bumping.
• I can stay active and ready during the whole lesson.