5 Key Principles of Invasion Games Every Primary PE Teacher Should Know
When teaching invasion games in primary PE, understanding the principles of play can dramatically improve your pupils’ ability to perform, think tactically, and enjoy the game.
Whether you're delivering a PE lesson focused on football, netball, basketball, or hockey, applying these game principles helps pupils learn the how and why of their actions, not just the what.
Here are five essential principles of invasion games to guide your next unit.
1. Width in Attack
Spreading attackers across the width of the pitch forces defenders to stretch their shape, creating gaps to exploit. This principle of play opens up passing lanes and encourages strategic movement.
Teaching tip: Use zones or cones to show players how to stretch wide during activities, even without the ball.
2. Width in Defence
Defenders must spread out across the pitch to counter wide attacking players, covering passing lanes and reducing space.
Defensive strategy: Train players to communicate and maintain their shape as attackers shift side to side—this reinforces key defensive strategies in invasion games.
3. Depth in Attack
When a player attacks, a teammate should be behind them. This means that when an attack at goal or a shot is not possible, the attacker with the ball can pass back to their teammate, potentially opening up a new scoring opportunity.
Game principle in action: Encourage players to always offer a “safe pass” option behind the play to support continued attacking pressure.
4. Delay in Defence
As a defender, you want to attempt to slow down your opposition's attack. You can do this by positioning yourself in front of the attacker, between them and the goal. This slows down the attacker and buys time for the rest of the defence to get back and support them.
Primary principles focus: Teach positioning and decision-making rather than just chasing the ball to help pupils understand when to engage and when to delay.
5. Depth in Defence
Just as in attack, defensive support is crucial. A second defender, slightly behind the first, can act as cover in case the attacker beats the first line.
Support strategy: Set up 2v1 defensive drills where players practise switching between first and second defender roles.
How to Use These Principles in PE
When teaching, use these principles of invasion games to structure lessons, guide questioning, and scaffold tactics. For example:
- When pupils struggle to pass forward, highlight the value of depth in attack.
- When teams get overrun easily, revisit the width and delay in defence.
- Reinforce game principles through a mini-game, including giving a chance to evaluate performance.
Teaching gameplay through these principles ensures that your pupils don’t just play the game; they understand it.
Try a Free Lesson on the Principle of Depth in Attack
Want to see these principles in action? Try out our free basketball lesson focusing on depth in attack. It’s a great example of how you can build tactical thinking into your lessons.
Final Thoughts
Embedding the principles of play into your invasion games lessons makes it easier to differentiate, explain tactics, and build confident, strategic players. These strategies aren't just for older pupils. When introduced correctly, even Key Stage 1 children can begin to understand how space, support, and positioning affect gameplay.