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Lesson 3 - Tactical Movement Skills

Strategic Throwing & Fielding

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Year 7

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Danish Longball

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Big Question

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

Softballs

15-20

Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags for modified versions

Cones

40-50

Mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and target zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Markers Cones

3 courts minimum

Each court 20m x 10m with clear boundary lines

Alternative: Rope, tape, chalk for temporary courts

Team bibs

30 (2 sets of 15)

Clearly distinguish between teams for game application

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to read the game situation and make appropriate decisions

Send and receive

Throwing and catching skills performed whilst in motion

Communication signals

Non-verbal hand signals used to indicate intentions to teammates

Pass and move

Immediately moving to a new position after passing the ball

Game strategy

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

Consistent accurate passing whilst moving

Making tactical decisions that benefit the team

Effective communication during high-pressure situations

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