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Lesson 2 - Ball Collection Skills

Throwing Tactics & Strategy

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Year 6

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Danish Longball

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Big Question

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

Softballs

15-20

Distributed around activity areas, extras available for continuous play

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Cones

5.5 pieces

Different colours for team identification, arranged at collection points

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, spots

Wall Space

1 wall minimum 3m wide

Clear area in front for safe ball collection and throwing

Alternative: Large target boards, fence panels

Key Vocabulary

Anticipation

The ability to predict what will happen next by reading body language and game situations

One-handed pickup

Collecting a ball using a single hand whilst maintaining running speed

Two-handed pickup

Using both hands to securely collect a ball, typically for firmer throws

Decisive action

Making quick, confident decisions without hesitation

Body language

Physical cues from posture and movement that indicate intentions

Under pressure

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

Smooth transition between running and ball collection

Appropriate hand selection for different ball speeds

Clear communication during high-pressure moments

Visible anticipation of opponents' actions

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