🥏

Lesson 1 - Backhand Throw & Catch

Skills To Strategy

•

Year 6

•

Ultimate Frisbee

•

Big Question

How can I use anticipation and spatial awareness to become an effective Ultimate Frisbee player?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate backhand frisbee throwing technique using wrist spin and correct body positioning
To master consistent two-handed catching using the 'crocodile mouth' technique
To demonstrate anticipation, spatial awareness, and tactical understanding in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will send a frisbee accurately using backhand technique with consistent wrist spin
Students will catch frisbees consistently using two hands in a ready position
Students will show anticipation, find space effectively, and demonstrate awareness of others during gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Frisbees

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Check frisbees are not damaged and fly straight before lesson

Alternative: Flying discs, paper plates for indoor practice

Cones

30-40 cones

Use for court boundaries, target areas, and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, spots

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Ensure contrast for clear team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A throwing technique where the frisbee is released across the body using wrist spin

Crocodile Mouth

Catching technique using both hands - one above, one below the frisbee like a crocodile's mouth closing

Wrist Spin

The spinning motion created by snapping the wrist on release to make the frisbee fly smoothly

Ready Position

Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, hands relaxed, eyes tracking the frisbee

Anticipation

Predicting where the frisbee will go and moving to that position before it arrives

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from previous year groups
Understanding of simple invasion games principles
Experience with target games and accuracy challenges

Current Skills

Backhand throwing technique with wrist spin
Two-handed catching with crocodile mouth grip
Anticipation and spatial awareness in game contexts
Pass and move strategies

Next Steps

Forehand throwing technique development
Advanced catching techniques (one-handed catches)
Complex game strategies and team tactics
Tournament-style Ultimate Frisbee games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent backhand throws reaching target from 5 metres

Catching 8 out of 10 frisbees thrown at chest height

Moving to space automatically without teacher prompts

Demonstrating ready position consistently

Key Teaching Points

Sideways stance with dominant foot forward creates optimal throwing position and power transfer
Wrist snap on release generates essential spin for stable, accurate frisbee flight
Ready position with weight on balls of feet enables quick reactions and movement
Crocodile mouth catching technique provides secure two-handed catches
Anticipation skills develop through reading body language and predicting frisbee flight paths
Pass and move strategies create space and maintain game flow
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and improves tactical positioning

Common Misconceptions

Students think power is more important than technique - emphasise accuracy and spin over strength
Many believe they should catch with one hand - reinforce two-handed crocodile mouth method
Some think they can run immediately after catching - clarify no-stepping rule in games
Students often face forward when throwing - consistently reinforce sideways stance requirement
Many rush techniques - emphasise smooth, controlled movements over speed
Some students think Ultimate Frisbee is just throwing and catching - highlight tactical and strategic elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter frisbees initially, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time for motor skills, step-by-step movement breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual schedules for lesson sections, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured frisbees, provide verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, ensure students can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching variations, modified court sizes, adapted grips for frisbees, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive catches, measuring court dimensions, calculating scores and statistics, angles of throwing trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in frisbee flight, aerodynamics and spin effects, body biomechanics in throwing and catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping court layouts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competition, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, position centrally during demonstrations, closer monitoring during high-intensity phases

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique development, safe movement patterns, positive interaction between students, engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe or ineffective, address any behavioural issues immediately, provide additional support for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples wherever possible, exaggerate key points for visibility, ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly, repeat key demonstrations multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Snap that wrist for spin!'
•'Ready position - weight on toes!'
•'Find the space before the frisbee gets there!'
•'Crocodile mouth - trap it!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from debris, adequate grip for quick movements and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all frisbees for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•No damaged equipment that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement phases
•Frisbee strikes to head or face
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups established
•Speed walking only during tag game - no running
•Teach safe catching techniques to avoid facial strikes
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for overexertion
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students across area
•Monitor high-activity phases like tag game and sprint activities
•Check technique regularly to prevent poor habits causing injury
•Ensure equal participation and no exclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school leadership and parents as necessary