Team games and fair play
Physical Education · Key Stage 1 · The School
Rules make the game
Without rules there is no game, only a scramble. Rules make it fair, safe and possible to win. Change one rule of a game you know — no hands, or a smaller goal — and see how differently it plays. Rules are the design of the game, not an interruption to it.
Attack and defend
ATTACKING means keeping the ball and creating space to score. DEFENDING means closing space and winning the ball back. Nearly every team game is those two things alternating, and understanding that makes an unfamiliar sport far easier to follow.
Playing well with people
Shake hands. Congratulate a good play, including by the other team. Do not argue with the referee. Include the person who is not being passed to. Losing well is harder than winning well and matters more — and it is noticed by everyone watching.
(1) The referee gives a decision you are certain is wrong. Good sportsmanship: accept it and play on. (2) You know the ball came off you, and the referee did not see it. Good sportsmanship: say so. (3) You lose heavily. Good sportsmanship: shake hands and mean it. Notice that none of these means playing worse — competing hard and playing fair are the same behaviour, not a trade.