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Lesson 3 - One-Handed Catch & Tactics

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 deception and tactical awareness to outmaneuver opponents in Ultimate Frisbee?

Learning Objectives

Develop one-handed catching technique with confidence
Master dummy passes and deceptive movements to confuse opponents
Demonstrate tactical awareness through positioning and decision-making

Key Outcomes

Students will catch the frisbee consistently using one hand while maintaining balance
Students will execute dummy passes and 'giving the eyes' techniques effectively
Students will show improved defensive positioning and intercepting skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Frisbees

1 per group of 4 (8 total)

Distributed to group leaders at start of each activity

Alternative: Flying discs or soft frisbees for indoor use

Cones

24 cones

Used for marking positions in triangle and square formations

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Bibs

30 (6 different colours)

For team identification during End Ball game

Alternative: Coloured bands or wristbands

Tablets

For recording student performance for assessment

Alternative: Smartphone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

One-handed catch

Catching the frisbee using only one hand, trapping it between fingers and thumb

Dummy pass

Pretending to throw in one direction but actually throwing in another

Giving the eyes

Looking in one direction to deceive the defender while throwing elsewhere

Interceptor

A defensive player who tries to catch passes intended for the opposing team

Tactical awareness

Understanding the game situation and making smart decisions about positioning and play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can catch a frisbee using two hands with basic accuracy
Students understand basic throwing technique with forehand and backhand
Students can work cooperatively in small groups

Current Skills

One-handed catching technique and body positioning
Deceptive passing skills including dummy throws
Tactical awareness in attack and defence

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques including hammer throws
Complex team strategies and set plays
Leadership roles in officiating and coaching peers

Milestone Indicators

Catches 8/10 one-handed passes in practice

Successfully deceives defender in game situations

Demonstrates understanding of space and positioning

Key Teaching Points

One-handed catching requires relaxed positioning and proper hand selection
Deception works best when body language contradicts the actual intention
Tactical awareness means thinking ahead and having a plan before receiving the frisbee
Defensive positioning should focus on body language, not just eye movement
Quick decision-making is crucial in Ultimate Frisbee game situations
Teamwork and communication are essential for successful game play
Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations builds confidence

Common Misconceptions

Believing that looking away is enough for deception - body positioning is more important
Thinking one-handed catching is only for advanced players - it can be learned progressively
Assuming that being faster is more important than being tactical in Ultimate Frisbee
Believing that defence is just about intercepting - positioning and pressure are equally important
Thinking that individual skills are sufficient - Ultimate Frisbee requires strong teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use movement as a strength, clear and simple instructions

dyspraxia

Use larger frisbees initially, break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, encourage and celebrate small improvements

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured frisbees, provide verbal descriptions of formations, use tactile markers for positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written game rules, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapt catching to seated position if needed, use larger/softer frisbees, modify distances, provide support worker if required

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of throws and catching positions, calculating success rates and statistics, measuring distances for optimal spacing

Science

Forces involved in throwing and catching, air resistance affecting frisbee flight, physics of spinning discs

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping game strategies

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, resilience when facing challenges, respecting opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities for full view, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct one-handed catching technique, effective use of deception, tactical awareness in games

Intervention Points

Step in if techniques are unsafe, provide additional support for struggling students, enhance challenges for advanced learners

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for deception techniques, ensure all students can see demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Relax those arms and let the frisbee come to you!'
•'Remember to trap it between fingers and thumb!'
•'Think before you call for the pass - have a plan!'
•'Defenders, watch their body not their eyes!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large playground or sports hall, minimum 30m x 20m clear area

Surface Check

Even surface free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check frisbees for cracks or damage that could cause injuries
•Ensure cones are placed securely and visible to all students
•Check bibs are in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Frisbee strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during dynamic activities
•Trips and falls during movement activities
•Overexertion during intensive game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Monitor high-intensity activities for signs of fatigue
•Watch for proper technique to prevent strain injuries

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if medical attention needed