Invasion Games Guide
Activity Overview
Invasion Games aims to introduce children to simple ball-handling skills, movement into space and basic teamwork through activities inspired by sports like football, netball, hockey and tag rugby. Lessons typically focus on passing and receiving, finding space, staying with a partner, and understanding the idea of attacking and defending in very simplified forms. Common activities include keep-ball games in small groups, scoring by placing a beanbag in a target area, or moving with a ball while avoiding gentle defenders. These tasks help pupils build coordination, spatial awareness, decision-making and confidence while working with others.
Below you’ll find key information on Invasion Games, and an example free KS1 Invasion Games lesson plan, from our Attack Defend Shoot unit of work. You'll also find a free KS2 Basketball lesson plan, which is suitable for teaching the key principles underpinning Invasion Games to older KS2 students
Also provided for free are a range of resources suitable for teaching Invasion Games at Key Stage 1, and resources used for teaching the core sports that comprise Invasion Games at Key Stage 2.
Age Range
Age Range
Invasion Games are taught to children at Key Stage 1, as preparation for playing the simplified versions of common sports they begin learning at Key Stage 2. The teaching principles that underpin Invasion Games also extend into Key Stage 2.
❌ Foundation
✅ Key Stage 1
✅ Key Stage 2
Illustration Diagrams
Invasion Games plays a significant role in teaching children basic key patterns, techniques and physical skills for the broader range of sports they will start playing at Key Stage 2. Our illustration diagrams serve as a visual guide for students and teachers, and are perfect for printing and putting on the wall.
Free Invasion Games KS1 Lesson Plan
Year 1 Attack Defend Shoot Unit 2
To recognise rules and apply them. Use and apply simple strategies for invasion games. Preparing for and explaining the reasons why we enjoy exercise.
Year 1 Attack Defend Shoot Unit 2 Lesson 3
- Bounce a ball with some control to myself
- Begin to bounce a ball to a partner
- Use bouncing skills in a small game (2 vs 1) to try and score a goal
We are learning: to bounce a ball with control to ourselves Activity: 2 v 1 bouncing into hoops
Year 3 Basketball
Perform some basic basketball skills, throwing, catching and dribbling. Build attacking/offensive play. Implement some basic rules of basketball.
Year 3 Basketball Lesson 4
- Create space and opportunities to take a shot in basketball
- Use a two-handed technique to perform a basketball shot
- Assist teammates in a game to shoot
We are learning: to perform a two-handed shot to score baskets. Activity: Half-court game, turns over when team score.
Paid Subscriber Content
Here at The PE Hub we offer 24 Invasion Games lesson plans for Key Stage 1. Our lesson plans are grouped into four management units of work across Year 1 and Year 2.
We offer around 30 resources specifically for teaching Key Stage 1 Invasion Games, which come integrated with our lesson plans. We also offer an incredible range of resources for teaching associated activities at Key Stage 2 including basketball, football, hockey, tag rugby, netball, handball and lacrosse. Please contact us for a demo if you'd like to see more.
Invasion Games FAQs
What are Invasion Games in primary PE?
Invasion Games are activities where one team tries to move an object (usually a ball) into a scoring area while the other team tries to stop them. They are simplified versions of sports such as football, netball, hockey, basketball and tag rugby, adapted so younger pupils can learn core skills.
Are Invasion Games part of the primary PE national curriculum?
Yes. Invasion Games are specified in the national curriculum for Key Stage 1. The national curriculum states that "Pupils should be taught to... participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending." Invasion Games are one of the most common ways schools deliver these requirements in a structured and age-appropriate way. Students later translate these skills into playing simplified versions of common sports at Key Stage 2.
What do Invasion Games look like at Key Stage 1?
In KS1, Invasion Games are taught through very simple tasks such as keeping possession in small groups, moving with a ball into a target area, or passing to a partner while defenders apply gentle pressure. Activities focus on basic movement skills, such as running, dodging and changing direction, as well as communication, sharing, and learning to work as part of a team.
What equipment is needed to teach KS1 Invasion Games?
Most KS1 Invasion Games can be taught with the same small set of basic PE equipment used to teach simplified versions of sports to Key Stage 2 pupils. Typically this includes soft balls (foam or size 3 footballs), beanbags, cones, floor markers, bibs and target areas such as buckets or hoops.
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