---
title: "The 5 principles of game play in Primary PE"
url: https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/the-5-principles-of-game-play-in-invasion-or-attacking-games/
description: "The 5 principles of invasions games are Width in attack · Width in defence · Depth in attack · Delay in defence · Depth in defence. "
---

# The 5 principles of game play in primary school PE

14 March 2016 · By Mim Telfer · [Skill Development](https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/categories/skill-development/), [Teacher](https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/categories/teacher/)

## **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 lessons in 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 opens up passing lanes and encourages strategic movement.

**Teaching tip:** Use zones or cones to show players how to stretch wide, even without the ball.

###  **2. Width in Defence**

Defenders must spread 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 support behind them. If a shot or forward pass is not possible, the ball can be safely passed back, creating a new opportunity.

**Game principle in action:** Encourage players to always offer a “safe pass” option behind the play to maintain attacking pressure.

###  **4. Delay in Defence**

Defenders aim to slow down the opposition’s attack by positioning themselves in front of the attacker, between them and the goal. This buys time for the rest of the defence to organise.

**Primary principles focus:** Teach positioning and decision-making rather than just chasing the ball. This helps pupils understand *when* to engage and *when* to delay.

### **5. Depth in Defence**

Defensive support is crucial. A second defender, slightly behind the first, acts 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, structure lessons around [these principles](https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/scaffolding-more-than-just-a-worksheet), guide questioning, and scaffold tactics. Examples include:

·       Highlight *depth in attack* when pupils struggle to pass forward.

·       Revisit *width* and *delay in defence* when teams get overrun easily.

·       Reinforce principles through mini-games and encourage pupils to evaluate their performance.

Teaching gameplay through these principles ensures pupils don’t just play - they understand.

**Try a Free Lesson:** See these principles in action with a basketball lesson focusing on depth in attack, helping pupils develop tactical thinking.

![Year 3 Basketball Lesson 4](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/Year 3 Basketball Lesson 4.png)

[Click here to view this lesson today ](https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/units/year-3-basketball-6/lessons/year-3-basketball-lesson-4-373/)

### **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 appropriately, even [Key Stage 1 children](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-report-series-pe/levelling-the-playing-field-the-physical-education-subject-report) can begin to grasp how space, support, and positioning affect gameplay. 

For more ideas on teaching invasion games, check out our [activity guide](https://thepehub.co.uk/activities/invasion-games/).

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