🧭

Lesson 6 - Communication and Tactics for Team Success

Strategic Communication and Leadership in Outdoor Adventure

•

Year 5

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

Big Question

How can clear communication and tactical thinking help teams achieve success together?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills within team situations
To create and apply simple attacking and defending tactics collaboratively
To understand individual roles and responsibilities within a team structure

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate clearly and effectively with team members during tactical activities
Students will work collaboratively to create and implement team strategies
Students will demonstrate leadership qualities and take responsibility for team success

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30 sets)

Each student starts with 3-4 tags on their belt

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands, velcro strips

Team flags (different colours)

4-6 flags

One flag per team, clearly visible in team zones

Alternative: Coloured cones, bibs on poles, laminated cards

Dish Cones

22 cones

Mark playing area, team zones, and safe zone clearly

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, natural boundaries

Stopwatch

For timing rounds and tactical discussion periods

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app

Whistles

For starting, stopping, and managing game flow

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to achieve their objectives

Communication

The clear exchange of information, ideas, and instructions between team members

Strategy

An overall plan designed to achieve long-term success

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve shared goals

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding and motivating team members

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
Experience with simple team games and challenges
Knowledge of fundamental movement skills and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Advanced communication and tactical planning
Leadership and responsibility within team dynamics
Strategic thinking for attacking and defending scenarios

Next Steps

Complex multi-team tactical scenarios
Advanced leadership roles in outdoor challenges
Problem-solving in high-pressure competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Clear, purposeful communication during tactical discussions

Evidence of strategic thinking in game situations

Demonstration of leadership qualities and team responsibility

Key Teaching Points

Effective communication is essential for successful tactical implementation
Every team member has an important role in both attacking and defending
Good tactics adapt and change based on what happens in the game
Leadership means supporting and encouraging others, not just giving orders
Learning from both successes and failures makes teams stronger
Respect for opponents and fair play are fundamental to successful competition
Strategic thinking develops through practice and reflection on outcomes

Common Misconceptions

Individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise collaborative success
Attacking is more important than defending - demonstrate value of balanced tactics
Complex plans are always better - show effectiveness of simple, well-executed strategies
Only captains should make tactical decisions - encourage shared leadership and input
Winning is the only measure of success - focus on learning, improvement, and sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical discussions into shorter segments, provide fidget tools during planning time, use high-energy roles to channel enthusiasm positively

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical plans initially, provide extra practice time for understanding roles, use visual diagrams to support tactical understanding

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish consistent routines for tactical discussions, create quiet retreat space if needed for overwhelm

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured flags and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of playing area layout, assign sighted buddy for navigation support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures for communication, provide written tactical instruction cards, ensure clear sightlines for lip reading

physical disability

Modify movement requirements to match capabilities, provide alternative roles like tactical advisor or communication coordinator, adapt tag system for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Strategic planning and spatial reasoning, calculating distances and timing for tactical movements, analysing game statistics and success rates

Science

Understanding forces and motion in tactical movements, energy systems during sustained activity, communication as information transfer

Geography

Spatial awareness and map reading skills, understanding of territory and boundaries, navigation and positioning concepts

PSHE

Leadership and responsibility, teamwork and cooperation, conflict resolution and fair play, building confidence and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of playing area to observe all teams and tactical developments

Observation Focus

Monitor communication effectiveness, tactical implementation, leadership emergence, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when tactics become overly complex, communication breaks down, or safety standards slip

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Show examples of effective communication, tactical thinking, and positive leadership throughout the lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Think tactically - what's your plan?'
•'Gentle tagging only!'
•'How can you adapt your strategy?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m with clear boundaries and multiple zones

Surface Check

Level ground free from holes, debris, or slippery surfaces that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts for secure attachment and no sharp edges
•Ensure flags are securely attached and won't cause entanglement
•Verify cones are stable and visible for boundary marking

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during high-speed tactical movements
•Tripping over boundaries or equipment
•Over-vigourous tagging leading to falls or contact
•Fatigue affecting decision-making and safety awareness

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Emphasis on gentle tagging technique demonstrated and monitored
•Regular breaks for tactical discussion to prevent overexertion
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all play areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of play area for optimal sightlines to all zones
•Move regularly to monitor different tactical engagements
•Focus attention on high-activity areas where multiple teams interact

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately with whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, modify activity if needed for continued safe participation