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Lesson 1 - Backhand Throw & Catch

Tactical Mastery Through Ultimate Frisbee

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Year 5

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Ultimate Frisbee

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Big Question

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

Frisbees

1 per 2 students (15 discs)

Check for cracks or damage before use

Alternative: Flying discs, foam frisbees for beginners

Cones

20-25 cones

Use for boundaries, targets, and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags

Bibs

15 (2 different colours)

For team identification in game activities

Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A throwing technique where the disc is released with the back of the hand facing the target

Wrist Snap

The quick flicking motion of the wrist that creates spin and accuracy in the throw

Ready Position

Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, hands ready, eyes tracking the disc

Crocodile Catch

Two-handed catching technique with one hand above and one below the disc

Anticipation

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

Consistent accurate throws over 10 metres

Catching success rate above 80% in game situations

Clear tactical decision-making in competitive scenarios

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