Lesson 2 - Ball Collection Skills
Throwing Tactics & Strategy
•Year 6
•Danish Longball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can anticipation and quick decision-making help us succeed under pressure in sports?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to pick up a ball on the run using appropriate hand positioning
- To demonstrate decisive action under pressure situations
- To understand and apply anticipation skills in sporting contexts
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully collect moving balls using one or two hands as appropriate
- Students will make quick tactical decisions during pressure situations
- Students will demonstrate effective communication and active listening during team activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas, extras available for continuous play
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls
Different colours for team identification, arranged at collection points
Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, spots
Clear area in front for safe ball collection and throwing
Alternative: Large target boards, fence panels
Key Vocabulary
The ability to predict what will happen next by reading body language and game situations
Collecting a ball using a single hand whilst maintaining running speed
Using both hands to securely collect a ball, typically for firmer throws
Making quick, confident decisions without hesitation
Physical cues from posture and movement that indicate intentions
Performing skills whilst being challenged by opponents or time constraints
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous units
- Understanding of underarm and overarm throwing techniques
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- One and two-handed ball collection on the run
- Decision-making under pressure
- Anticipation and reading body language
- Effective communication during gameplay
Next Steps
- Advanced Danish Longball tactics and strategies
- Complex fielding patterns and team coordination
- Leadership roles in competitive sporting situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Low body position with fingers pointing downward ensures secure ball collection whilst running
- Attacking the ball rather than waiting develops decisive action under pressure
- Effective communication during team activities requires clear, specific instructions
- Anticipation in sport comes from reading body language and predicting opponents' actions
- One-handed collection for gentle balls, two-handed for firmer throws - decision-making based on ball speed
- Tactical positioning in Danish Longball requires teamwork and shared responsibility
- Accuracy in throwing improves through consistent technique rather than increased power
Common Misconceptions
- That running faster always improves ball collection - actually smooth, controlled movement is more effective
- That throwing harder increases accuracy - controlled technique with appropriate force is more successful
- That only athletic students can succeed at Danish Longball - tactical thinking and communication are equally important
- That individual heroics win games - teamwork and cooperation consistently produce better results
- That pressure situations only apply to sport - these skills transfer to many life situations requiring quick decisions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear movement boundaries, positive behaviour reinforcement, additional movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice time for skill development, simplified game rules initially
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules for lesson progression, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layouts, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game instructions, written rule cards available
physical disability
- Modified collection techniques from seated position, softer/larger balls, reduced distances for throwing
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for throwing accuracy, calculating success rates, analysing game statistics and performance data
Science
Forces and motion in ball throwing, friction effects on running surfaces, reaction times and anticipation
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories, movement patterns and directions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, handling pressure and disappointment, leadership development, supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between activity areas during skills practice, central position during games for optimal observation
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, communication quality, decision-making under pressure, and inclusive participation
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide technique support when students struggling, facilitate positive team dynamics
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in showing good examples, provide multiple viewpoints for complex skills
Verbal Cues
- •'Attack the ball - don't wait for it!'
- •'Low body, fingers down!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Make quick decisions!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall minimum 20m x 30m, or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for running and sudden direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only - check for appropriate size and firmness for age group
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks that could cause injury
- •Wall areas clear of protrusions or hazardous surfaces
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running activities and game play
- •Ball strikes to head/face area during throwing activities
- •Slips and falls during running and collection movements
- •Overexertion during high-intensity warm-up and game phases
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activity areas
- •Emphasis on below-waist throwing in all activities
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic movements
- •Regular rest periods and hydration breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during Danish Longball games
- •Monitor throwing activities for appropriate force and targeting
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion during intense activities
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for injury management and reporting