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Lesson 4 - Disguising Throws and Intercepting

Throwing Tactics & Strategy

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Year 6

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Danish Longball

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can we use deception and anticipation to gain advantage in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to disguise throwing intentions using dummy throws and misdirection
To improve intercepting skills through reading the game and anticipating opponent actions
To demonstrate tactical awareness by finding space and showing awareness of others' positions

Key Outcomes

Students will execute disguised throws that successfully deceive defenders
Students will intercept passes by anticipating and reading game situations
Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness and tactical decision-making

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

12-15

Various sizes to challenge different skill levels

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft play balls

Cones

For court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

To distinguish teams clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Numbered Papers

For recording assessment observations

Alternative: Tablet for recording

Stopwatch

For timed activities and game management

Alternative: Mobile phone timer

Key Vocabulary

Disguise

Hiding your true intentions through body language, eye direction, or dummy movements

Intercept

Catching or deflecting an opponent's pass before it reaches its intended target

Anticipation

Predicting what will happen next based on reading the game situation

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to teammates, opponents, and court boundaries

Trajectory

The curved path that a ball follows through the air

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique established
Understanding of Danish Longball rules and court layout
Experience with catching balls at different heights

Current Skills

Disguising throwing intentions through body positioning and eye direction
Reading game situations to anticipate and intercept passes
Advanced spatial awareness and tactical positioning

Next Steps

Coordinated team defensive strategies
Advanced offensive patterns and combinations
Leadership skills in organising team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Successful execution of disguised throws in game situations

Consistent interceptions through anticipation rather than reaction

Evidence of tactical thinking and spatial awareness

Key Teaching Points

Disguise throw direction using eyes, shoulders, and dummy movements
Read opponent body language for successful interceptions
Use hand signals for communication in game situations
Position strategically to anticipate and cut off passing lanes
Apply practice skills consistently in game pressure situations

Common Misconceptions

Eyes always reveal true throwing direction - teach that body positioning is more reliable
Interception is about speed rather than positioning - emphasise anticipation over reaction
Disguise means being secretive - explain it's about misdirection and deception
Communication should always be verbal - teach the value of visual signals in games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular activity changes, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Break down skills into smaller steps, extra practice time, simplified tactics initially

autism spectrum

Clear routines, visual schedules for lesson structure, quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Emphasise visual signals, demonstrate all instructions, use written tactical boards

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, allow seated participation, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, describing tactics and strategies, listening to instructions

Maths

Calculating angles for throws, measuring distances, analysing success rates and statistics

Science

Understanding trajectory and forces in ball flight, discussing reaction times and anticipation

PSHE

Teamwork skills, leadership qualities, honest self-assessment and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for skill application, safety compliance, and tactical development

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, provide tactical guidance, support struggling learners

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show disguise techniques, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Disguise it!'
•'Read their body!'
•'Anticipate the play!'
•'Communicate clearly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas, ensure adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls only - check condition before use
•Cones positioned safely away from playing areas
•Ensure bibs are appropriate size and not torn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced game play
•Throws to head/face area
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Over-enthusiastic fielding leading to contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about throwing below waist only
•Adequate spacing between courts
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Monitor throwing force and accuracy
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, adjust activity if needed