Lesson 1 - Backhand Throw & Catch
Tactical Mastery Through Ultimate Frisbee
•Year 5
•Ultimate Frisbee
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use throwing accuracy and catching consistency to maintain possession and create tactical advantages in Ultimate Frisbee?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate backhand throwing technique using body positioning and wrist snap
- To master consistent two-handed catching with proper positioning and timing
- To demonstrate tactical awareness through anticipation, space finding, and peer awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will send a frisbee accurately using the backhand technique with appropriate power and direction
- Students will catch a frisbee consistently using two hands with good body positioning
- Students will show game understanding through movement, positioning, and tactical decision-making
Equipment & Resources Required
Check for cracks or damage before use
Alternative: Flying discs, foam frisbees for beginners
Use for boundaries, targets, and activity zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags
For team identification in game activities
Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the disc is released with the back of the hand facing the target
The quick flicking motion of the wrist that creates spin and accuracy in the throw
Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, hands ready, eyes tracking the disc
Two-handed catching technique with one hand above and one below the disc
Reading the flight of the disc and moving early to the catching position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with balls
- Understanding of personal space and safety
- Experience with simple running games and tagging activities
Current Skills
- Backhand throwing technique with disc
- Two-handed catching with proper body positioning
- Movement patterns for space creation and tactical awareness
Next Steps
- Forehand throwing technique development
- Advanced catching including one-handed catches
- Small-sided game strategies and team tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Backhand grip: thumb on top, fingers spread underneath for control and spin
- Body positioning: step towards target with throwing-side foot, sideways stance for power
- Wrist snap: quick flicking motion creates spin and accuracy in disc flight
- Ready position: athletic stance with weight on balls of feet, hands ready and active
- Crocodile catch: two-handed technique with one hand above, one below the disc
- Spatial awareness: anticipate disc flight and move early to catching position
- Tactical thinking: placement and accuracy more important than throwing power
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Throwing harder always means throwing further - Correction: Proper technique and spin create better distance and accuracy
- Misconception: One-handed catches look more impressive - Correction: Two hands provide security and consistency, especially for beginners
- Misconception: You must catch where the disc comes to you - Correction: Move your body to get behind the disc for easier catching
- Misconception: Ultimate Frisbee is just about throwing and catching - Correction: Tactical awareness, positioning, and teamwork are equally important
- Misconception: Fast movement always beats tactical thinking - Correction: Smart positioning and anticipation are more effective than speed alone
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks built into activities
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter discs for easier handling, reduced complexity in movement patterns, additional practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual instruction cards, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured discs, provide verbal descriptions of disc flight, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rules available
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, modified catching positions, adapted court sizes and distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating distances for throws, measuring court dimensions, counting catches and scoring systems
Science
Understanding forces and motion in disc flight, effects of spin on trajectory, air resistance and aerodynamics
Geography
Directional awareness, spatial positioning, mapping movement patterns around courts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in competitive situations, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner positions to observe multiple groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip and release technique, assess catching positioning and success rate, monitor spatial awareness and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too powerful, correct poor catching technique to prevent injury, address any unsafe movement patterns
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Show techniques slowly and clearly, emphasise key points through repetition, use student demonstrations to reinforce learning
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Step and snap for accuracy!'
- •'Eyes on the disc throughout flight!'
- •'Find your space before the disc arrives!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all frisbees for cracks, sharp edges, or damage before use
- •Ensure cones are stable and visible for boundary marking
- •Verify adequate spacing between activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Disc strikes to face or body from throws
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Falls from rapid direction changes or running
- •Finger injuries from poor catching technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
- •Emphasis on controlled throwing rather than maximum power
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Continuous reinforcement of spatial awareness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor throwing power and direction continuously
- •Ensure students maintain awareness of others during movement phases
- •Watch for fatigue affecting concentration and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required