Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Battling Games – Responsibilities And Qualities Of Outfield Player Notes
Physical and Health Education
Topic: Battling Games
Subtopic: Responsibilities and Qualities of an Outfield Player
Age: 10 years — Kenya (suitable for school teams playing games like football, hockey or rugby). "Outfield player" means any player on the field who is not the goalkeeper.
Quick idea: Practice safe teamwork on your school field. Drink water and wear proper shoes.
Specific Learning Outcomes (By the end of the lesson pupils should be able to):
- List at least five responsibilities of an outfield player. ✅
- Identify five important qualities of a good outfield player (e.g., stamina, teamwork). ✅
- Demonstrate basic skills: safe tackling/marking, passing and moving to space during a small game. ✅
- Show good sportsmanship and follow safety rules while playing on the school field. ✅
Responsibilities of an Outfield Player
Simple points for children to remember and practise:
- Defend and support team mates: Mark opponents, block passes and help teammates when they are challenged.
- Attack and score: Move into space, receive passes and try to create chances to score safely.
- Keep good position: Stay where the coach asks (left, right, centre). Do not crowd one area.
- Pass and move: Pass the ball to team mates and run to a new place to receive it again.
- Communicate: Call for the ball, warn team mates and listen to the captain or coach. Use short words like “Mine!”, “Turn!”, “Mark!”
- Follow rules and play safely: No dangerous tackles. Wear proper shoes. Stop play if someone is hurt.
- Keep fit and warm up: Do stretching and running drills so you can play until the end of the game.
Qualities of a Good Outfield Player
Words children can remember and try to show in class and matches:
- Stamina: Can run for a long time without getting tired quickly.
- Speed & Agility: Moves quickly and changes direction fast to keep up with play.
- Strength: Keeps balance in challenges and holds position when needed.
- Good ball control: Can stop, pass and dribble the ball safely.
- Awareness: Looks around to see team mates and opponents (head up!).
- Teamwork: Helps others, follows instructions and shares the ball.
- Discipline & Fair Play: Listens to the teacher/referee and shows respect to others.
- Decision-making: Chooses when to pass, hold or shoot quickly and safely.
Suggested Learning Experiences (safe, active and fun)
- Warm-up (8–10 minutes): Teacher leads light jogging, dynamic stretches (leg swings, high knees), and simple ball touches.
- Teacher demonstration (5 minutes): Show correct passing, marking and a safe tackle. Use clear words and a small demo game.
-
Skill stations (3 x 7 minutes):
- Station A: Passing and receiving in pairs.
- Station B: Marking and shadowing (one player copies the other).
- Station C: 1v1 “challenge” with safe contact rules (no high tackles). - Small-sided game (15 minutes): Play 5v5 or 6v6 on a small school field. Everyone except the goalie is an outfield player — encourage switching positions so pupils try defence and attack roles.
- Cool-down and talk (5–8 minutes): Light walking, stretching, then class discussion: What did you do well? Which quality will you work on?
Safety and Equipment
- Wear proper shoes (boots or trainers) and shin guards when needed.
- Clear the playing area of stones and holes. Use school field or marked ground.
- Teacher or coach should have a first-aid kit and water nearby.
- Stop play for injuries. Encourage fair play and respect for others.
Assessment (how to check learning)
- Teacher observation checklist: tick if a pupil showed communication, passing, marking and fair play during the game.
- Quick peer feedback: one partner says “I liked how you passed” or “Try to look up next time”.
- Practical test: each pupil performs 3 passes and one safe tackle in a controlled drill.
Remember: A good outfield player helps the team, stays safe, and plays fair. Practice often on your school field and listen to your coach.