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Lesson 6 - Decision Making Under Pressure

Strategic Throwing & Fielding

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Year 7

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Danish Longball

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can tactical awareness and quick decision-making help you succeed in competitive situations?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate specific tactical awareness in competitive game situations
Make effective decisions under pressure whilst maintaining team coordination
Work collaboratively in tournament-style competition demonstrating leadership and communication skills

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved tactical decision-making during tournament play
Students will show effective communication and leadership under competitive pressure
Students will evaluate their own and peers' performance against tactical criteria

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

6-8 balls

Stored in equipment box at side of playing area for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for safety

Cones

20-30 cones

Used to mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and scoring zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Markers Cones

As required for 2-3 courts

Clear boundaries essential for fair play and safety

Alternative: Rope, chalk, or existing sports hall markings

Team bibs

4 sets of different colours (7 per set)

Distributed to team captains at start of tournament

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnards, or team markers

Sun Markers

10-15 spots

Used for specific positions and starting points in warm-up activities

Alternative: Small cones, beanbags, or painted marks

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

Essential for timed innings - backup timers recommended

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Score Sheets

4-6 sheets

Pre-prepared tournament brackets and scoring system explained

Alternative: Whiteboard, tablet, or student scorekeepers

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For filming tournament action for later analysis and feedback

Alternative: Mobile phone, school camera equipment

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

Understanding the best strategies and positioning to use in different game situations

Decision making under pressure

Making quick, effective choices when time is limited and competition is intense

Competitive pressure

The stress and intensity felt during competitive situations that can affect performance

Tournament play

A series of competitive games where teams compete against multiple opponents

Team strategy

Planned approaches and tactics that teams use to achieve success

Performance under pressure

How well someone maintains their skills and decision-making when facing competitive stress

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic Danish Longball rules and techniques from previous lessons
Understanding of fielding positions and basic throwing/catching skills
Experience of working in teams during competitive activities

Current Skills

Advanced tactical awareness in competitive situations
Decision-making under time pressure
Leadership and communication during tournament play
Performance analysis and peer assessment skills

Next Steps

Application of tactical skills to other invasion games
Development of coaching and officiating skills
Advanced tournament organisation and leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

Students demonstrate clear tactical thinking when questioned

Teams show coordinated movement and communication

Students can explain their decision-making process

Evidence of tactical adaptation during games

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness develops through progressive game situations from simple to complex
Decision-making under pressure requires practice in authentic competitive environments
Communication and leadership skills are as important as physical skills in tournament success
Self-assessment and peer assessment develop analytical thinking and tactical vocabulary
Character and sportsmanship should be valued equally with technical and tactical ability
Video analysis provides powerful feedback for tactical development
Tournament format creates authentic pressure for applying learned skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that blocking runners is allowed - clarify tracking vs blocking difference
Believing that individual skill is more important than team tactics and communication
Assuming that competitive pressure always negatively affects performance - it can enhance focus
Thinking that only the winning team showed good tactics - all teams can demonstrate excellent play
Believing that tactical skills only apply to Danish Longball - they transfer to many sports
Assuming that peer assessment is about being critical - it's about recognising excellence and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear time boundaries, immediate feedback on tactical decisions

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, extra practice time for skill development, simplified tactical instructions

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure and routine, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bibs and balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of tactics, hand signals for communication, written tournament rules and scores

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated versions where appropriate, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, tactical vocabulary development, peer assessment language

Maths

Calculating tournament scores, understanding ratios (runs per life), timing and measurement skills

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, reaction times under pressure, effects of exercise on body systems

Computing

Video analysis of tactical play, data collection of tournament results, digital assessment tools

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning, and understanding of directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development, managing competitive pressure, resilience, teamwork, and conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during tournament to observe tactical play and provide coaching points

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, communication effectiveness, and performance under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in to reinforce rules, highlight tactical examples, or manage competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use live examples from games to reinforce tactical concepts, show video clips for detailed analysis

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your tactics - throw into space!'
•'Captain, organise your fielders!'
•'Excellent tactical thinking there!'
•'Track your runner, don't block!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m per court, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface suitable for dynamic movement and change of direction

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls only to prevent injury during striking activities
•Cones checked for damage and positioned safely
•Team bibs in good condition without tears or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic game play
•Overheating during competitive tournament
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Ball strikes during throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and enforced
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament play
•Controlled competitive environment with fair play emphasis
•Soft ball equipment only for all striking activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during tournament
•Monitor competitive behaviour and intervene when necessary
•Regular safety checks during equipment transitions
•Watch for signs of overexertion during intense activity

Emergency Procedures

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