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Lesson 4 - Team Communication

Striking & Fielding Basics

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Year 5

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Danish Longball

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Big Question

How can effective communication and teamwork help us succeed in challenging game situations?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to use a ball to block incoming attacks effectively
To understand and apply tactical communication in team-based games
To demonstrate collaborative decision-making when teams face challenging situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective blocking techniques using balls
Students will communicate clearly with teammates during game situations
Students will show understanding of tactical decisions when teams are reduced in numbers

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15

Distributed around court boundaries for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safer play

Coloured Bibs

8-10

Different colours for team identification and special roles

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Markers Cones

Create clear boundaries for multiple playing areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Sun Markers

Central reference points for defensive positioning

Alternative: Small cones, chalk circles

Stopwatch

For timing game phases and activities

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Blocking

Using a ball or body position to prevent opponents from reaching their target

Communication

Clear verbal and non-verbal signals between teammates

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to move to help your team succeed

Defensive strategy

A planned approach to protect your team from attack

Team roles

Specific jobs or positions that help the team work together effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working in small groups

Current Skills

Using balls as defensive tools
Tactical communication in team games
Collaborative decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical positioning in invasion games
Leadership roles in competitive situations
Complex strategy development in team sports

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of communication during games

Effective blocking technique demonstrated repeatedly

Shows tactical awareness when team numbers are reduced

Key Teaching Points

Communication is the foundation of successful team defence and attack strategies
Blocking with balls requires two-handed grip close to the body for maximum effectiveness
Different character roles fundamentally change team tactics and require strategic adaptation
Teams must balance protecting special characters while maintaining offensive capabilities
Tactical decision-making improves through practice and reflection on both successes and mistakes
Working alongside and against others requires clear communication, spatial awareness, and collaborative thinking
Resilience in competitive situations develops through positive framing of learning from setbacks

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that individual skill alone wins team games - emphasise that communication and teamwork are equally important
Believing that the same strategy works in all situations - demonstrate how different characters require different approaches
Assuming that being 'hit' or making mistakes means failure - reframe as learning opportunities and part of the game
Focusing only on attack without considering defence - show how balanced strategies are most effective
Thinking that the doctor role is the only important special character - explain how each role creates different tactical challenges

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments with frequent breaks, clear role assignments, movement opportunities built in, immediate positive feedback for communication

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls for easier handling, simplified blocking positions, extra practice time for skill development, clear visual markers for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson phases, predictable routine structure, quiet break-out space available, advance warning of character rule changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign buddy for spatial orientation, use sound cues for game phases

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game start/stop, assign visual communication partner, written rule cards available, focus on visual demonstration over verbal instruction

physical disability

Seated version with modified throwing distances, larger target areas, alternative blocking methods using wheelchairs or supports, adapted resurrection process

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development (tactical terms), clear communication skills, listening and following complex instructions

Maths

Counting systems (5-second resurrection count), spatial awareness and geometry (court positioning), probability and statistics (tactical decision-making odds)

Science

Forces and motion (ball trajectory and blocking), reaction time and reflexes, understanding of cause and effect in tactical situations

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience and learning from mistakes, leadership and responsibility, respectful competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts for maximum visibility, move to support specific groups as needed

Observation Focus

Communication quality, tactical decision-making, blocking technique development, team collaboration

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when teams need tactical support, or when communication breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Always exaggerate blocking position for visibility, use clear contrasts between good and poor technique, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Communicate - what do you see?'
•'Block with your ball shield!'
•'Work together - protect your team!'
•'Think tactically - what's your plan?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gymnasium, minimum 15m x 20m, with clear boundaries for multiple courts

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Only soft foam dodgeballs used - check for damage before use
•Ensure bibs are secure but not tight
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check spot markers are flat and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to face/head area
•Collisions between enthusiastic players
•Slips during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled throwing below shoulder height
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions between games
•Progressive skill development before competitive play
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders
•Immediate stop signal when safety concerns arise

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor throwing intensity throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration
•Ensure resurrection process doesn't create collision risks

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop and assess protocol, basic first aid available, clear evacuation route established