Lesson 5 - Tactical Play and Officiating
Striking & Fielding Basics
•Year 5
•Danish Longball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use tactical thinking and fair officiating to make games more strategic and enjoyable?
Learning Objectives
- To apply tactical strategies effectively during gameplay
- To demonstrate fair and effective officiating skills
- To work collaboratively as a team to implement agreed tactics
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully execute at least two different tactical plays during gameplay
- Students will officiate a game with confidence and fairness
- Students will demonstrate improved teamwork through tactical communication
Equipment & Resources Required
Placed at centre line for game starts
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safer play
Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers
One per officiating pair, attached to lanyards
Alternative: Hand clapping, verbal calls
Distributed before warm-up for easy officiating rotation
Alternative: Sticky number labels, team colours only
Positioned for clear view of tactical play
Alternative: Observation sheets for written assessment
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by teams to gain an advantage during gameplay
Acting as a referee or umpire to ensure fair play and rule enforcement
Planning ahead and making decisions based on game situations
Clear, quick sharing of information between teammates during gameplay
Fairly applying game rules to ensure safe and enjoyable play for all
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic Danish Longball rules and gameplay
- Understanding of team positions and ball handling
- Experience with competitive games and turn-taking
Current Skills
- Tactical thinking and strategic planning
- Officiating and rule enforcement
- Advanced teamwork and communication
Next Steps
- Creating original team tactics
- Leading tactical training sessions
- Coaching and mentoring other teams
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical success requires planning, communication, and perfect timing between teammates
- Effective officiating builds on five key qualities: loud, clear, confident, consistent, and fair decision-making
- Strategic thinking involves choosing the right tactic for the right moment in the game
- Respect for officials and their decisions is essential for enjoyable and fair gameplay
- Team communication during tactical play must be specific and strategic, not just emotional
- Self-assessment of teamwork and officiating helps develop reflection and improvement skills
- Both achievement (trying new things) and attainment (mastering skills) deserve recognition and celebration
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Tactics are just tricks' - Correction: Tactics require strategic thinking and teamwork
- Misconception: 'Officials should help their own team' - Correction: Neutrality and fairness are essential for credible officiating
- Misconception: 'Loudest communication is best' - Correction: Clear, specific tactical communication is more effective than volume
- Misconception: 'Complex tactics are always better' - Correction: Simple, well-executed tactics often work better than complex ones
- Misconception: 'Arguing with officials is acceptable' - Correction: Respectful questioning and acceptance of decisions builds better sportsmanship
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break tactical instruction into shorter segments, provide physical movement between explanations, use clear visual focus points
dyspraxia
- Simplify tactical movements initially, provide additional practice time, pair with supportive partners for tactical execution
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure for tactical rotations, use visual tactical cards, allow quiet breaks if overstimulated by competitive atmosphere
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of tactical demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for positioning
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for tactical calls, provide written tactical instructions, ensure officials face hearing-impaired students when speaking
physical disability
- Adapt tactics for seated or limited mobility players, modify throwing distances, ensure wheelchair accessible court positioning
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills in tactical discussions, vocabulary development with strategic terms, explaining tactical decisions clearly
Maths
Counting in multiples during warm-up, calculating tactical success rates, timing games precisely, statistical analysis of tactical effectiveness
Science
Forces and motion in tactical ball throws, physics of jumping tactics, biomechanics of effective throwing techniques
Geography
Spatial awareness for tactical positioning, understanding angles of attack, mapping court space effectively
PSHE
Leadership development through officiating, respect for authority figures, teamwork in tactical planning, resilience when tactics fail
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position between two courts for maximum visibility of tactical play and officiating quality
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical communication, fair officiating decisions, strategic adaptation under pressure
Intervention Points
Step in if tactics become unsafe, support nervous officials, redirect overly competitive behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All tactical moves slowly first for safety, show confident officiating body language, model respectful communication with officials
Verbal Cues
- •'Great tactical communication!'
- •'Remember - fair decisions for both teams!'
- •'Think strategically - when is the best time for that tactic?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Two full courts minimum 15m x 30m each, clear boundaries marked
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for jumping tactics
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only - check for damage before use
- •Whistles attached to lanyards to prevent loss
- •Cones positioned safely away from game play
- •Numbered bibs secured properly to prevent entanglement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tactical rushes
- •Falls from jumping tactics (Kamikaze)
- •Ball strikes during intensive tactical play
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and enforced
- •Safe landing zones demonstrated for jumping tactics
- •Progressive tactical introduction before full-speed implementation
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
- •Student officials positioned safely outside play zones
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of both courts simultaneously
- •Focus on tactical implementation areas for collision risks
- •Monitor official positioning and safety
- •Watch for signs of overexertion during competitive games
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required