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Lesson 6 - Tournament Play & Tactics

Skills To Strategy

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Year 6

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Ultimate Frisbee

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Big Question

How can we apply tactical awareness and communication skills to succeed in competitive Ultimate Frisbee situations?

Learning Objectives

Apply learned skills and tactical knowledge in competitive game situations
Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork during Ultimate Frisbee games
Show understanding of game rules and school games values in tournament play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate specific tactical awareness during Ultimate Frisbee tournament play
Students will communicate effectively with teammates using appropriate signals and verbal cues
Students will apply school games values consistently throughout competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Frisbees

8-10 discs

2 frisbees per group for main session, additional for tournament play

Alternative: Flying rings or foam frisbees for safety

Cones

22 cones

4 different coloured cones for assessment, remainder for court boundaries

Alternative: Spots or markers

Bibs

16 (4 different colours)

4 colours for tournament teams identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Digital Cameras

For filming tactical awareness and assessment evidence

Alternative: Smartphone for recording

Whistles

For game control and time management

Alternative: Voice commands if preferred

Stopwatch

For timing tournament matches and rotations

Alternative: Phone timer function

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to read the game situation and make appropriate decisions about positioning and actions

Tournament

A competitive event where multiple teams play matches to determine overall rankings

Umpire

An official who enforces the rules and makes decisions during games

Interception

When a defending player catches or deflects a frisbee intended for an opponent

School games values

Core principles including passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination, and teamwork

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic frisbee throwing techniques (backhand, forehand)
Fundamental catching skills and body positioning
Understanding of basic Ultimate Frisbee rules
Experience working in small-sided games

Current Skills

Tactical awareness in competitive situations
Advanced communication during gameplay
Tournament play and sportsmanship
Self and peer assessment abilities

Next Steps

Advanced tactical strategies and set plays
Leadership roles in organising games
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Consistently makes tactical decisions under pressure

Communicates clearly with teammates throughout games

Demonstrates fair play and sporting behaviour

Shows ability to adapt strategy based on game flow

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical awareness through questioning and observation during all activities
Maintain focus on communication skills with specific feedback on verbal and non-verbal signals
Celebrate school games values consistently throughout competitive activities
Use filming strategically for assessment evidence and student motivation
Ensure tournament format provides equal opportunities for all students to succeed
Link self-assessment activities directly to lesson learning objectives
Create authentic competitive experiences while maintaining inclusive participation

Common Misconceptions

Tournament play is only about winning - correct by emphasising skill development and values demonstration
Only the strongest players can show tactical awareness - highlight examples from all ability levels
Communication means shouting loudly - teach effective, specific verbal and non-verbal communication
Self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest reflection for genuine improvement
Umpiring is just about knowing rules - explain decision-making, positioning, and authority aspects

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter matches, provide specific roles and responsibilities, use visual timers, offer movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer frisbees, reduce throwing distances initially, provide additional practice time, simplify tactical instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament schedule, use visual supports for rules, create quiet zones for breaks, maintain predictable routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured frisbees, provide detailed verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted buddies for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game start/stop, provide written tournament fixtures, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify throwing techniques, allow seated play where appropriate, adapt court sizes, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving clear instructions, explaining tactics, reflection and evaluation vocabulary

Maths

Tournament fixture calculations, scoring systems, time management, geometric positioning in tactical play

Science

Forces in frisbee flight, aerodynamics principles, body mechanics in throwing and catching

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping playing areas, understanding positioning and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership skills, conflict resolution, fair play, managing competition pressure, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing oversight of multiple activities, move between groups during skill development

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, communication quality, application of skills under pressure, demonstration of school games values

Intervention Points

Step in if tactical activities become too static, if tournament behaviour becomes inappropriate, if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use student models frequently, film examples for assessment, celebrate excellent play publicly during tournament

Verbal Cues

•'Signal for the frisbee!'
•'Create space!'
•'Look for different options!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Show those school games values!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m or large sports hall, multiple playing areas for tournament

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, check for holes or uneven ground in playing areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect frisbees for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure cones are visible and stable
•Check bibs are appropriate size and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic movement activities
•Frisbee strikes from poor throws or catches
•Competitive behaviour escalating inappropriately
•Overexertion during tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
•Progressive intensity building throughout lesson
•Clear rules about contact and physical play
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament
•Strong emphasis on school games values and respect

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all tournament courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
•Ensure umpires understand their authority and safety role

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if required