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 some free KS2 lesson plans, which is suitable for teaching the key principles underpinning Invasion Games to older KS2 students.

Age Range

Invasion Games are introduced in Reception and the Foundation Stage, developing basic movement and ball skills. At Key Stage 1, pupils build on these to prepare for simplified sports at Key Stage 2, with consistent teaching principles applied throughout.

✅ 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.

Passing Illustration Guide

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.

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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

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Year 3 Basketball

Perform some basic basketball skills, throwing, catching and dribbling. Build attacking/offensive play. Implement some basic rules of basketball.

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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.

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Year 3 Netball

Perform basic netball skills such as passing and catching using recognised throws. Implement the basic rules of netball.

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Year 3 Netball Lesson 5

Throw over longer distances using shoulder pass
Recognise which throw is needed over shorter & longer distances
Use shoulder pass in a game to build attacking play

We are learning: to throw for distance using a shoulder pass Activity: AFL task—increase pitch size to include throws learnt

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Year 4 Tag Rugby

Consistently perform basic tag rugby skills. Implement rules and develop tactics in competitive situations.

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Year 4 Tag Rugby Lesson 2

To pick up the ball quickly and effectively.
To keep possession by supporting the ball carrier.
To work as a team to move the ball into space and attack.

We are learning: to pick the ball up from the floor and run with it to start an attack Activity: Breakout Tag

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Year 5 Football

Play effectively in a variety of positions and formations. Relate a greater number of attacking and defensive tactics.

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Year 5 Football Lesson 1

Turn with the ball unchallenged
Receive the ball and turn into space
Receive the ball and turn to shoot

We are learning: to turn with the ball Activity: Assessment for Learning Task

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Year 6 Hockey

An image of Hockey Indian Dribble from left to right

Choose and implement a range of strategies and tactics. Combine and perform more complex skills at great speed. Recognise and describe good individual and team performances.

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Year 6 Hockey Lesson 1

Play the role of both the defender and the attacker
Shoot from close range
Score points against opposition

We are learning: to shoot under pressure from close range Activity: Assessment for Learning Task

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Paid Subscriber Content

Here At The PE Hub, we provide a comprehensive range of Invasion Games lessons for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

For Key Stage 1, Invasion Games are delivered through our Attack, Defend, Shoot units of work. These include 24 progressive lesson plans across Year 1 and Year 2, organised into four units of work.

For Key Stage 2, we offer a broad selection of Invasion Games units covering basketball, football, hockey, tag rugby, netball, handball and lacrosse. These units are fully resourced and designed to build on the fundamental skills introduced in Key Stage 1.

If you’d like to see the platform in action, please get in touch to arrange a demo.

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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.