Lesson 2 - Forehand Pass & Intercept
Skills To Strategy
•Year 6
•Ultimate Frisbee
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use body positioning and communication to create successful passing opportunities whilst defending effectively?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate forehand passing technique with proper grip and release
- To understand and apply defensive positioning principles including body angle and vision
- To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw accurate forehand passes using correct grip and technique
- Students will position themselves effectively when defending to see both opponent and disc
- Students will communicate clearly with teammates during gameplay
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all discs for damage and ensure appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Flying discs, foam frisbees for beginners
Use to mark boundaries, distances, and activity zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags
For team identification during game activities
Alternative: Different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the disc is released from the thumb side of the body
Catching a pass intended for an opponent
Standing at an angle where you can see both the disc and your opponent
Moving to positions that make it easier for teammates to pass to you
Shifting body weight to change direction quickly and deceive opponents
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic frisbee catching with two hands
- Simple underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of team games and fair play
Current Skills
- Forehand grip technique using peace sign method
- Defensive body positioning and vision
- Communication in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Backhand passing technique
- Advanced defensive strategies including zoning
- Tactical awareness in full game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Peace sign grip is fundamental to successful forehand throwing - thumb, index and middle finger only
- Outside-to-inside release motion creates smooth, controlled flight path
- Defensive positioning requires sideways stance to see both disc and opponent simultaneously
- Eye contact communication between thrower and receiver prevents poor passing decisions
- Transference of weight creates effective deceptive movement to beat defenders
- Team communication is essential for success in all Ultimate Frisbee activities
- Risk/reward decision-making develops tactical awareness and strategic thinking
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is more important than technique in forehand throwing - emphasise smooth controlled release
- Believing defence means only watching the opponent - stress importance of tracking both disc and player
- Assuming communication means only talking - teach that listening and responding is equally important
- Expecting immediate success with new grip - explain that muscle memory takes time to develop
- Thinking individual skill is most important - reinforce that teamwork creates success in Ultimate Frisbee
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger lighter frisbees initially, simplified grip instruction, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured frisbees, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated throwing options, modified grip techniques, adapted catching positions, reduced throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in frisbee flight, trajectory and aerodynamics, physics of grip and release
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions of movement
Mathematics
Calculating scores and statistics, measuring distances and angles, understanding probability in risk/reward decisions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, decision-making under pressure, resilience and perseverance when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around groups during skill practice, central position during demonstrations, active involvement during game for best supervision
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip formation, body positioning in defence, effective communication, and safe play throughout
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with grip technique, unsafe play during games, or communication breaking down
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for grip technique, emphasise key body positions, select appropriate student models
Verbal Cues
- •'Peace sign grip remember!'
- •'See both the disc and your opponent!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Smooth release, follow through!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Netball court size minimum (30m x 15m) with additional space for multiple small practice areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, check for any hazards around court boundaries
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all frisbees for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure cones are in good condition and placed safely
- •Bibs clean and appropriate size for students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Frisbee strikes to face or body
- •Collisions between students during active games
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Adequate spacing between activity groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Emphasis on controlled throws rather than power
- •Safe tagging technique taught and monitored
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during skill practice
- •Monitor high-activity areas during Longball game closely
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety during competitive phases
- •Ensure safe tagging techniques during game activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, inform school office if required