Lesson 6 - Tactical Awareness
Throwing Tactics & Strategy
•Year 6
•Danish Longball
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How can tactical awareness and communication lead to success under competitive pressure?
Learning Objectives
- To make effective tactical decisions under pressure in competitive situations
- To demonstrate advanced communication and teamwork skills during gameplay
- To apply tactical knowledge consistently across different game scenarios
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate specific tactical awareness in Danish Longball
- Students will work effectively as part of a team under competitive pressure
- Students will exhibit school games values throughout competitive play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to side throwers for Boulders activity
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Used for court boundaries and throwing lines
Alternative: Markers, spots
For French Cricket and End Ball activities
Alternative: Soft play balls
For assessment grouping in conclusion
Alternative: Coloured markers, hoops
For filming tactical awareness assessment
Alternative: Smartphone with video capability
Key Vocabulary
The ability to read the game situation and make appropriate decisions
Following an opponent's movement to prevent them from gaining an advantage
Pretending to pass in one direction while actually passing in another
Strategic placement of players to maximise team effectiveness
Clear, effective information sharing between teammates
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic Danish Longball rules and throwing techniques
- Fundamental teamwork and communication skills
- Understanding of the six school games values
Current Skills
- Making tactical decisions under competitive pressure
- Advanced team communication and organisation
- Demonstrating specific tactical awareness in game situations
Next Steps
- Applying tactical knowledge to other invasion games
- Developing leadership skills in competitive contexts
- Creating and implementing complex game strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical awareness requires constant observation and adaptation during gameplay
- Effective communication uses signals and positioning rather than excessive shouting
- Decision-making under pressure improves through practice and reflection
- School games values should be demonstrated consistently, especially in competitive situations
- Team organisation and leadership are essential for tactical success
- Assessment should capture both process (tactical thinking) and outcome (performance)
- Peer assessment develops analytical skills and supports learning
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that loudest communication is most effective - teach signal-based communication
- Believing tactical awareness is just about individual skill - emphasise team coordination
- Assuming pressure always leads to poor decisions - teach pressure as opportunity for growth
- Thinking school games values only matter when winning - emphasise values in all situations
- Believing tactics can't be learned - show specific examples and practice opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include regular movement breaks, provide clear role definitions, use shorter game segments
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower balls, reduce court complexity, provide extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear game structure, use visual schedule for tournament format, offer quiet observer role
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign buddy support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals, demonstrate all instructions, provide written rule cards
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distances, allow seated play where appropriate, modify court sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing specific vocabulary for tactical concepts, peer assessment communication skills
Maths
Calculating tournament scores using division and rounding, measuring court dimensions and distances
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, analysing movement patterns and tactical positioning
PSHE
Leadership development, teamwork under pressure, values-based decision making
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe tactical play, position for filming key moments
Observation Focus
Focus on tactical decision-making, communication effectiveness, and pressure responses
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, provide tactical prompts when needed, facilitate peer assessment
Demonstration Notes
Use clear examples of tactical concepts, show effective communication methods, highlight good decision-making
Verbal Cues
- •'Think tactically!'
- •'Communicate with signals!'
- •'Track your opponent!'
- •'Captain, organise your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, multiple courts for tournament format
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate run-off areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are appropriate softness for activity
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify recording equipment is secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running activities
- •Ball strikes during throwing games
- •Fatigue during tournament play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and court separation
- •Emphasis on underarm throwing only
- •Regular hydration breaks during tournament
- •Controlled throwing heights below waist level
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts
- •Monitor throwing technique throughout
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required