🥏

Lesson 5 - Space Awareness and Tactical Play

Tactical Mastery Through Ultimate Frisbee

•

Year 5

•

Ultimate Frisbee

•

Big Question

How can we use space effectively to help our team succeed in Ultimate Frisbee?

Learning Objectives

Develop ability to find and create space in tight defensive situations
Apply tactical awareness in both attacking and defensive roles
Understand and execute the 'Pull' in Ultimate Frisbee

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness through successful movement into space
Students will show tactical understanding by contributing effectively in both defence and attack
Students will execute the Pull correctly following Ultimate Frisbee rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Frisbees

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Flying discs, soft frisbees for indoor use

Cones

12-16

Mark court boundaries and End Zones using netball court lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For distinguishing teams during game play

Alternative: Team bands, coloured t-shirts

Video Device

1 (tablet/phone)

For capturing assessment evidence and demonstration clips

Alternative: Camera, smartphone

Key Vocabulary

Pull

The throw that starts play, similar to a kick-off in football, thrown by the defensive team to the attacking team

End Zone

The scoring area at each end of the pitch where players must catch the frisbee to score a point

One-Two

A quick passing combination where player A passes to player B who immediately returns the frisbee to player A

Intercept

When a defensive player catches or deflects a pass intended for an attacking player

Space

Areas on the pitch that are not occupied by opponents, creating opportunities for safe passing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic frisbee throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of forehand and backhand throws
Basic movement and positioning skills

Current Skills

Finding space under pressure
Quick passing and movement combinations
The Pull throw technique
Basic Ultimate Frisbee rules and tactics

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play and team strategies
Competitive Ultimate Frisbee games
Tournament play and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful catches under pressure

Quick decision-making in tight spaces

Effective communication during game play

Key Teaching Points

Pull throw requires full body rotation and follow-through for maximum distance
Finding space involves quick direction changes and reading defensive positioning
Communication must be constant and clear during game situations
Three-second passing rule maintains game flow and prevents holding
Tactical awareness develops through understanding attacking and defensive roles
One-two passing combinations create space and maintain possession
End Zone positioning and movement crucial for scoring opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Pull is just a hard throw - actually requires specific technique and body rotation
Finding space means running fast - actually requires intelligent movement and direction changes
Ultimate Frisbee is non-contact so no defensive pressure - appropriate marking and interception attempts are allowed
Communication only needed when you have the frisbee - constant communication essential for team success
Running with the frisbee is allowed - must stop and pivot when receiving the disc

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities during games

dyspraxia

Larger, softer frisbees for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear, structured routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured frisbees with high contrast, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and movement, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards for reference

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching versions, modified throwing techniques, adapted rules for participation level

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for optimal throwing trajectories, measuring court dimensions and distances, timing activities and game duration

Science

Understanding forces and motion in frisbee flight, effects of air resistance and spin, body mechanics during throwing and catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning concepts, understanding of directions and movement patterns across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, position near End Zones during game play for safety and assessment

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness development, communication quality, and tactical understanding progression

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, provide tactical coaching during natural breaks, support struggling students with additional guidance

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate Pull technique clearly with full body rotation, show space-finding movement with sharp direction changes, model effective communication throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Quick hands, quick feet!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Three-second rule - pass it on!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or equivalent 30m x 15m area with clear End Zones

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for any holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check frisbees for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure cones/markers are stable and visible
•Video equipment positioned safely away from play area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes and space-finding
•Frisbee strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during quick movement
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities
•Progressive skill building before full game pressure
•Regular rest periods and hydration breaks
•Controlled contact rules clearly explained

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor End Zone areas for safe scoring attempts
•Watch for student fatigue and competitive intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed