Lesson 3 - Tactical Movement Skills
Strategic Throwing & Fielding
•Year 7
•Danish Longball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use tactical awareness and communication to outmaneuver opponents in invasion games?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate tactical awareness and strategic decision-making in game situations
- Send and receive accurately whilst on the move with appropriate timing
- Apply effective communication and positioning skills during competitive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently make tactical decisions that create scoring opportunities
- Students will demonstrate fluent passing and catching whilst moving at pace
- Students will use verbal and non-verbal communication effectively during game play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags for modified versions
Mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and target zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Each court 20m x 10m with clear boundary lines
Alternative: Rope, tape, chalk for temporary courts
Clearly distinguish between teams for game application
Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
The ability to read the game situation and make appropriate decisions
Throwing and catching skills performed whilst in motion
Non-verbal hand signals used to indicate intentions to teammates
Immediately moving to a new position after passing the ball
Planned approach to achieve success in competitive situations
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Awareness of personal space and movement
Current Skills
- Tactical decision-making under pressure
- Sending and receiving on the move
- Strategic positioning and communication
Next Steps
- Advanced game strategies and team formations
- Leadership roles in competitive scenarios
- Analysis and evaluation of performance
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical awareness requires reading the game situation and making quick, appropriate decisions
- Non-verbal communication prevents opponents from anticipating your team's strategies
- Leading passes allow teammates to catch on the move without breaking stride
- Team organisation and positioning are crucial for effective fielding in Danish Longball
- Risk assessment skills help players decide between safe and high-reward tactical options
- Soft hands and eye-level catching ensure consistent ball control under pressure
- Pass and move principles create continuous opportunities and tactical advantages
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Calling out loudly helps teammates - Correction: Hand signals prevent opponents knowing your plans
- Misconception: Throwing harder always improves accuracy - Correction: Controlled technique is more effective than power
- Misconception: Individual skill is most important - Correction: Team tactics and communication determine success
- Misconception: Always take the high-risk option for points - Correction: Strategic thinking about when to take risks
- Misconception: Fielders should all chase the ball - Correction: Organised positioning covers more area effectively
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, larger softer balls, reduced court size, additional practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine establishment, visual schedules for lesson sequence, quiet zones available during games
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual signals and demonstrations, written rule cards, use of hand signals throughout
physical disability
- Modified throwing techniques, seated or supported catching positions, adapted court sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating scores and points systems, measuring distances and angles, statistical analysis of success rates
Science
Forces in throwing and catching, trajectory and projectile motion, physics of ball flight and spin
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns, understanding of directions and angles
PSHE
Leadership development, decision-making under pressure, teamwork and cooperation, resilience and perseverance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with visibility of all courts, rotate position to observe different angles
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, skill application under pressure, and team communication
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, tactical understanding needs support, or conflict arises
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples, show tactical options clearly, emphasise key technique points repeatedly
Verbal Cues
- •'Signal with hands, not voices!'
- •'Throw in front of the runner!'
- •'Quick tactical decision needed!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 60m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall for multiple courts
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from debris, adequate drainage if outdoor
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check soft balls are in good condition with no splits
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify team bibs are clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or head during throwing activities
- •Collisions between students during running phases
- •Trips and falls due to uneven surfaces or equipment
- •Overexertion during high-intensity game play
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled throwing below chest height
- •Establish clear court boundaries and running lanes
- •Ensure adequate spacing between playing areas
- •Regular checks for student fatigue and hydration needs
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor throwing technique and intensity
- •Watch for signs of student fatigue or distress
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate competitive spirit
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required