Kōkiri Learn

Background reading · Health and Physical Education

Reading the play: tactics in invasion, net and striking games

Most games are really about space. Learn the four families of games and the smart decisions players make in each.

Rugby, netball, tennis and cricket look very different. Underneath, though, most games are about the same thing: space. Players are constantly deciding where the space is and how to use it, or how to take it away.

Four families of games

  • Invasion games: you move into the other team's area to score, like netball, hockey, football, touch and basketball. - Net and wall games: you send the ball where the other side can't return it, like volleyball, tennis, badminton and squash. - Striking and fielding games: one team hits and runs while the other fields, like cricket, softball, kilikiti and rounders. - Target games: you aim at a target, like golf, bowls, pétanque and ten-pin bowling.

    • Tactics: a plan for winning the space

    A skill is something you do, like a pass. A tactic is a decision about when and where to use it. A pass is only useful if it goes to someone in space.

    In invasion games

  • Spread out: make the field wide so defenders have more to cover. - Support: always give the ball carrier someone to pass to, ideally making a triangle. - Move after you pass: don't stand and watch. - Defend as a team: close the space, mark a player and put pressure on the ball.

    • In net games

    Look up before you hit. Aim for the gaps: deep in the court, just over the net, down the sidelines or between two players. After you hit, get back to a ready position in the middle.

    In striking and fielding games

    Batters try to hit into gaps between fielders or over their heads. Fielders spread out, back each other up and throw to wherever the run can be stopped.

    Using data to improve

    Coaches use statistics such as completed passes, turnovers or where hits went. Your team can do the same: count, set a team goal and check if a new tactic helped.

    Sources and further reading

    Written for Kōkiri Learn students in our own words. Check facts against the sources.

    Used in: Game On: Tactics, Teamwork and Fair Play