Lesson 1 - Creating and Applying Simple Tactics
Strategic Communication and Leadership in Outdoor Adventure
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work as a team to create and apply winning tactics?
Learning Objectives
- To understand what makes an effective team and the characteristics of effective team members
- To learn how to create and apply simple tactics in competitive situations
- To develop communication and collaboration skills when working as part of a team
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify key attributes of successful teams
- Students will create and apply tactical approaches to games
- Students will demonstrate effective communication and cooperation within teams
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in 3x3 grids with 2 metres spacing between grids
Alternative: Bean bags, spots, or small hoops
Each team needs 5 markers of the same colour, different from grid markers
Alternative: Coloured bean bags or laminated cards
For tracking points during tournament play
Alternative: Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers
For starting and stopping activities
Alternative: Voice commands or visual signals
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies or methods used to achieve a goal in a game or activity
An overall plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal
Working together effectively towards a common goal
The clear exchange of ideas, information, and instructions
Taking responsibility to guide and support team members
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can work cooperatively in small groups
- Students understand basic game rules and turn-taking
- Students can communicate simple ideas to peers
Current Skills
- Creating and discussing simple tactics as a team
- Applying tactical thinking to competitive situations
- Demonstrating leadership and responsibility within teams
Next Steps
- Developing more complex tactical strategies
- Leading team discussions independently
- Adapting tactics quickly during competitive play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactics are planned strategies that teams create together to achieve success
- Effective teams communicate clearly, include everyone, and adapt their approaches
- Good tactical thinking involves observing opponents and adjusting strategies accordingly
- Leadership in teams means supporting others and helping everyone contribute
- Competition can bring out the best teamwork when approached with the right attitude
Common Misconceptions
- Tactics are just about trying harder - clarify that tactics involve specific planning and strategy
- Only team captains create tactics - emphasise that everyone contributes to tactical discussions
- Good tactics work in all situations - teach that tactics must adapt to different opponents and circumstances
- Winning is more important than teamwork - reinforce that good process leads to better outcomes
- Tactics are only for sports - help students see applications in other collaborative activities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement positively within tactical activities
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for cone placement, provide larger target areas, offer alternative ways to contribute to tactical discussions
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of lesson stages, offer quiet tactical discussion spaces
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of grid layouts, assign sighted partners for support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written strategy cards, ensure good visual positioning for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt running to rolling/wheeling, allow extended time for cone placement, provide seated tactical discussion options
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing specific vocabulary for tactics and teamwork, articulating strategies clearly, listening and responding in group discussions
Maths
Calculating tournament points, understanding probability in tactical choices, recognising patterns in game outcomes
Science
Understanding cause and effect in tactical decisions, hypothesis testing through strategy trials
PSHE
Developing leadership skills, cooperation and teamwork, handling competition respectfully, including others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing observation of all grids, move between teams during discussions to monitor and support tactical development
Observation Focus
Quality of tactical discussions, inclusion of all team members, adaptation of strategies between games, demonstration of leadership qualities
Intervention Points
Step in if teams exclude members, if discussions become non-tactical, if competition becomes unsporting, or if students show lack of engagement
Demonstration Notes
Model good tactical discussion techniques, show inclusive team behaviour, demonstrate positive competitive spirit and good sportsmanship throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'What's your team's plan for this game?'
- •'How will you adapt your tactics for this opponent?'
- •'Great tactical thinking - can you explain why that worked?'
- •'Remember to include everyone in your team discussion'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate grip for controlled running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
- •Ensure cones are stable and won't cause trips when placed
- •Verify adequate cone supply to prevent disputes
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students running to same grid position
- •Trips over cones placed on ground
- •Overcompetitive behaviour leading to disputes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about controlled running and waiting turns
- •Adequate spacing between grids to prevent interference
- •Emphasis on sportsmanship and respectful competition
- •Teacher positioned to observe all activities simultaneously
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all grids and monitor multiple games
- •Move between teams during tactical discussions
- •Watch for signs of overcompetitive behaviour or exclusion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, ensure other students are safely positioned