Lesson 2 - Ball Collection Skills
Strategic Throwing & Fielding
•Year 7
•Danish Longball
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How can effective communication and precise ball collection skills give your team a tactical advantage in Danish Longball?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate effective ball collection techniques using one or two hands as appropriate
- Communicate clearly and listen actively during team activities
- Apply ball handling skills in game situations with tactical awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully collect moving balls using appropriate technique for the situation
- Students will demonstrate clear communication and active listening in team contexts
- Students will apply learned skills effectively in Danish Longball game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in equipment bags at each activity station
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags for safety
Set up court boundaries and target areas before lesson
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines on ground
Positioned at shoulder height on available wall space
Alternative: Chalk circles on wall, buckets as ground targets
Used for standing positions and target markers
Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks
Sorted by colour in accessible container
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured equipment
Key Vocabulary
The technique of gathering a moving ball using appropriate hand positioning and body movement
The running movement to collect a ball, involving lowering the body while maintaining forward momentum
Immediately throwing or passing the ball after collection to maintain game flow
Clear, specific instructions given to teammates to coordinate game strategy
Fully concentrating on what teammates are saying and responding appropriately
Strategic placement of team members to maximise defensive coverage
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and throwing techniques
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Ability to work in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- One and two-handed ball collection on the move
- Effective communication and active listening
- Basic Danish Longball tactics and positioning
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding techniques and quick release
- Complex tactical communication and leadership
- Game analysis and strategic planning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball collection requires early preparation - get body position set before ball arrives
- Communication must be specific and timely - 'over here' is less useful than 'pass to the left'
- Tactical positioning in Danish Longball requires covering escape routes, not just the throwing area
- Progressive skill development from static to dynamic situations builds confidence and competence
- Peer assessment works best when criteria are specific and observable
- Safety in throwing games requires consistent reinforcement of height and force guidelines
- Leadership skills develop through structured opportunities like team captaincy roles
Common Misconceptions
- Students think ball collection is just about speed - emphasise technique and control first
- Many believe shouting louder makes communication more effective - teach clarity over volume
- Assumption that throwing harder is always better - demonstrate accuracy and tactical placement
- Misconception that fielding is just about individual skills - emphasise team coordination
- Belief that advanced students don't need to practise basics - reinforce fundamentals consistently
- Think that game tactics are too complex for this age - break down into simple, actionable concepts
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide additional movement opportunities, offer specific roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, allow extra practice time for coordination skills, provide step-by-step breakdowns of complex movements
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules for lesson structure, establish quiet zones for breaks if needed, use consistent routines for equipment distribution
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with good contrast, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals for game communication, provide written instruction cards for reference
physical disability
- Modify collection techniques for seated participation, use larger/softer balls for easier handling, adjust throwing distances appropriately
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication skills, giving and receiving constructive feedback
Maths
Calculating angles for optimal throwing trajectories, measuring court distances and boundaries, statistical analysis of successful collection rates
Science
Forces and motion in ball throwing and collection, friction and surface interaction, energy transfer in impact situations
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of area coverage and strategic positioning, directional language and compass points
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, leadership development through captaincy roles, resilience when dealing with challenging situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing supervision of all activity areas, move between groups during practice phases
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ball collection technique, quality of communication, safe throwing practices, tactical awareness
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide technique corrections when skill breaks down, support students struggling with communication
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations to highlight good technique, show contrasts between correct and incorrect methods, emphasise safety in all demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Attack the ball!' for decisive movement
- •'Get down early!' for collection technique
- •'Communicate!' to encourage team talk
- •'Below chest!' for safe throwing
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple Danish Longball courts, clear run-off areas around each court
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are appropriately inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify wall targets are securely fixed and at appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face from throwing activities
- •Collisions between runners and fielders during game play
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Overexertion during continuous game activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear throwing guidelines - below chest height only
- •Maintain adequate spacing between courts and activity areas
- •Emphasise controlled contact for tagging - no aggressive tackling
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended game play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts simultaneously
- •Move between groups during activities to monitor technique and safety
- •Pay particular attention to throwing force and target areas during games
- •Monitor student fatigue levels throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required