Lesson 6 - Decision Making Under Pressure
Strategic Throwing & Fielding
•Year 7
•Danish Longball
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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
Stored in equipment box at side of playing area for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for safety
Used to mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and scoring zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Clear boundaries essential for fair play and safety
Alternative: Rope, chalk, or existing sports hall markings
Distributed to team captains at start of tournament
Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnards, or team markers
Used for specific positions and starting points in warm-up activities
Alternative: Small cones, beanbags, or painted marks
Essential for timed innings - backup timers recommended
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock with second hand
Pre-prepared tournament brackets and scoring system explained
Alternative: Whiteboard, tablet, or student scorekeepers
For filming tournament action for later analysis and feedback
Alternative: Mobile phone, school camera equipment
Key Vocabulary
Understanding the best strategies and positioning to use in different game situations
Making quick, effective choices when time is limited and competition is intense
The stress and intensity felt during competitive situations that can affect performance
A series of competitive games where teams compete against multiple opponents
Planned approaches and tactics that teams use to achieve success
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
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