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Lesson 3 - Send and Receive Under Pressure

Throwing Tactics & Strategy

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Year 6

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Danish Longball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we maintain our technique and decision-making when the pressure is on?

Learning Objectives

To develop sending and receiving skills whilst moving at speed
To demonstrate tactical awareness in game situations
To make effective decisions under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully send and receive balls whilst moving
Students will demonstrate improved tactical awareness in Danish Longball
Students will show composure and good decision-making under pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20

Various sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Cones

20-30

For marking boundaries and target lines

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Sun Markers

4 sets

To create clear playing areas

Alternative: Rope, chalk, tape

Video Device

For filming tactical awareness evidence

Alternative: Tablet, phone, camera

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

Understanding what to do and where to be in game situations

High catch

Catching a ball thrown or hit high into the air

Composure

Staying calm and controlled under pressure

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that cushion the ball on contact

Overarm throw

Throwing with arm above shoulder height for power and accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Two-handed catching with soft hands
Understanding of Danish Longball basic rules

Current Skills

Sending and receiving whilst moving
Tactical awareness and positioning
Decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations
Leadership roles in team games
Complex game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching whilst moving

Effective communication during high catches

Strategic thinking evident in game play

Key Teaching Points

Clear communication is essential - call your name when taking responsibility for high catches
Send the ball ahead of moving players so they don't break stride when receiving
Use hand signals rather than voice when requesting the ball to avoid alerting the opposition
Tactical awareness means thinking about positioning and decision-making throughout the game
Soft hands and catching at eye level ensures better control and success
Leadership in games involves organising teammates and making strategic decisions
Composure under pressure comes from practising skills until they become automatic

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tactical awareness is only about where you stand - it's also about decision-making and timing
Believing loud calling is always best - sometimes silent hand signals are more effective
Assuming throwing harder is always better - accuracy and placement are often more important
Thinking individual skill is enough - Danish Longball requires teamwork and communication
Believing tactics don't matter if you have good skills - strategy often beats raw ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, designated roles and responsibilities, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear routines and consistent rules, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet reflection spaces available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for communication, provide written rules and tactics, utilise hand signals for team communication

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, allow rolling instead of throwing, provide seated fielding positions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, tactical discussions, giving and receiving feedback

Maths

Scoring systems, angles of throws, distances and measurement in court setup

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory and flight paths, reaction time and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning and orientation, mapping court layouts

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork under pressure, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all playing areas, move between courts during games

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, communication during catches, composure under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules not followed, provide tactical guidance when games become one-sided

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, relate to game situations

Verbal Cues

•'Call your name clearly!'
•'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
•'Think tactically - where should you be?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple courts, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls checked for damage and appropriate pressure
•Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges
•Court boundaries clearly marked and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during chasing games
•Ball strikes during throwing activities
•Overexertion during continuous running

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and rules enforced throughout
•Underarm throwing only in Boulders warm-up
•Progressive intensity building from warm-up to main activities
•Regular hydration breaks during extended game play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor throwing technique and safety compliance
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical support as needed