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Lesson 5 - Communication and Tracking Skills

Strategic Throwing & Fielding

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Year 7

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Danish Longball

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Big Question

How can effective communication and tracking transform your team's defensive performance?

Learning Objectives

Develop effective communication skills during team activities
Master the skill of tracking an opponent's movement and positioning
Apply leadership and organisational skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate clearly and listen actively to teammates
Students will track opponents effectively using spatial awareness
Students will demonstrate leadership qualities in team organisation

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

11 balls

Distributed around court perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for indoor use

Cones

40-50 cones

Used for court boundaries, target areas, and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, spot dots, chalk lines

Markers Cones

3 courts ideally

Clear boundaries with visible lines or cone markers

Alternative: Cones to mark boundaries if no permanent lines

Team bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Different colours for teams and special roles like Pacman

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Markers

20-30 markers

Clearly define playing areas and boundaries

Alternative: Cones, chalk, tape for indoor courts

Key Vocabulary

Tracking

Following and anticipating an opponent's movement to maintain defensive positioning

Communication

Clear verbal and non-verbal signals to coordinate team action

Leadership

Taking responsibility for organising and directing team strategy

Team Organisation

Positioning teammates effectively to cover space and support each other

Tactical Awareness

Understanding game situations and making appropriate strategic decisions

Opponent Movement

The patterns and directions that opposing players move during play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques from previous lessons
Understanding of Danish Longball basic rules and court layout
Experience of working in small groups and teams

Current Skills

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication in game situations
Tracking opponent movement and anticipating runs
Leadership and team organisation during competitive play

Next Steps

Advanced tactical communication in complex game situations
Integration of communication with advanced playing strategies
Development of coaching and mentoring skills with peers

Milestone Indicators

Clear, confident communication heard across the playing area

Consistent successful tracking resulting in defensive success

Evidence of team cohesion and organised defensive positioning

Key Teaching Points

Communication must be clear, loud, and specific - avoid shouting without purpose
Tracking requires staying close to opponent while maintaining awareness of ball location
Leadership is about organising the team, not just being the loudest voice
Effective teams use both verbal and non-verbal communication signals
Good tracking anticipates opponent movement rather than just reacting
Captain's role is to direct and organise, not to do everything themselves
Quality communication reduces chaos and improves team performance significantly

Common Misconceptions

Thinking louder communication is always better - clarity and timing matter more
Believing tracking means following the ball instead of assigned opponent
Assuming leadership means doing everything yourself rather than organising others
Expecting immediate perfect communication without practice and agreed signals
Thinking tracking is only important when your opponent has the ball
Believing only captains need to communicate effectively with teammates

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, specific focused tasks, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified tracking patterns, extra practice time for communication skills, buddy support for organisation, slower progression

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable role assignments

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of positions, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, agreed hand signals, written instruction cards, visual cues for communication

physical disability

Modified tracking with seated or supported positions, adapted throwing techniques, alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Verbal and non-verbal communication skills, listening and responding appropriately, giving clear instructions and directions

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry through court positioning, angles of running and throwing, measurement of distances and areas

Science

Communication systems and signals, forces in throwing and movement, teamwork dynamics and group psychology

Geography

Directional language and compass points, spatial relationships and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development and responsibility, teamwork and cooperation skills, communication and listening in relationships

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing observation of multiple courts, rotate between games during main activity

Observation Focus

Communication quality, tracking effectiveness, leadership emergence, safety of all activities

Intervention Points

Step in if tracking becomes too physical, if communication breaks down causing confusion, if unsafe play develops

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Effective tracking by staying close but not interfering, clear communication with specific instructions, leadership through positive organisation

Verbal Cues

•'Track your player!'
•'Call the switch!'
•'Captain, organise your team!'
•'Use your signals, not just your voice!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple courts minimum 20m x 30m each, clear boundaries marked, adequate space between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls checked for appropriate inflation and no damage
•Cones positioned safely without sharp edges or trip hazards
•Court markers clearly visible and securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during tracking activities
•Ball strikes during throwing activities
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups and courts maintained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex activities
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor tracking activities for appropriate contact levels
•Observe throwing technique to prevent overarm injuries
•Watch for signs of overexertion or fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required