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Lesson 3 - Positioning & Interception

Game Strategy & Tactics

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Year 7

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Ultimate Frisbee

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1h 9min

Big Question

Can you defend against an opponent, stopping them from having an impact in the game?

Learning Objectives

Develop effective defensive positioning and ready stance
Master one-handed catching technique for interceptions
Apply tactical awareness to defensive play in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct defensive ready position with weight on balls of feet
Students will successfully intercept passes using appropriate positioning and timing
Students will make tactical decisions to disrupt opponent's attacking play

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Frisbees

1 per 2 students (minimum 15)

Distributed in equipment tubs at edge of playing area, variety scattered for warm-up

Alternative: Foam flying discs, softer training frisbees for less confident students

Throwing equipment

30-40 items (beanbags, soft balls, foam frisbees)

Scattered across two defined areas for warm-up activity

Alternative: Any soft throwable equipment available

Cones

40-50 for marking areas and triangles

Used to define court boundaries, triangle points, and end zones

Alternative: Spots, markers, or chalk lines for indoor spaces

Step Boxes

4-6 large containers

Placed at edges of warm-up areas for collecting caught items

Alternative: Hoops, boxes, or designated floor areas

Bibs

3 different colours (10 of each)

For distinguishing 6 teams during game application

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers

Tablets

1.5 devices

For recording game play to review defensive strategies

Alternative: Phone cameras, no filming if unavailable

Key Vocabulary

One-handed catching

Catching the frisbee with a single hand by trapping it between fingers and thumb

Ready position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready at sides, prepared to move in any direction

Interception

Catching or deflecting a pass intended for an opponent to gain possession for your team

Dummy throw

A fake throwing action designed to deceive defenders about the intended direction of the pass

Tactical awareness

Understanding of game situations and making intelligent decisions about positioning and movement

Giving the eyes

Looking at one receiver whilst intending to throw to another to deceive the defender

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 Ultimate Frisbee basic rules (no travelling, possession time limits)
Experience with spatial awareness and movement in games

Current Skills

One-handed catching technique for interceptions
Defensive ready position and footwork
Reading the play and anticipating passes
Tactical awareness in defensive situations

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies including zone and player marking
Transition from defence to attack
Team defensive systems and communication

Milestone Indicators

Maintaining ready position throughout defensive play

Successfully anticipating and intercepting 3+ passes in game situations

Making tactical decisions that force turnovers or errors

Key Teaching Points

Defensive ready position is fundamental - knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready at sides, maintained throughout play
One-handed catching requires relaxed hand forming 'C' shape, watching frisbee into hand, closing fingers around edge
Anticipation comes from watching the thrower's body position and eyes, not just the receivers
Interceptors must return to optimal position (middle) after each attempt to cover maximum passing lanes
Tactical awareness means having a plan before calling for the frisbee - decision made before possession
Movement to space creates passing options - staying static makes defending easier for opponents
Quick decision-making essential with 3-second possession rule - reinforces need for pre-planning

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Defenders should watch receivers. Correction: Watch the thrower - their body position and eyes reveal throw direction before release.
Misconception: Catching requires grabbing hard. Correction: Soft, relaxed hands trap the frisbee more successfully - tension causes rebounds.
Misconception: Best position is right next to your opponent. Correction: Position between thrower and receiver to intercept the passing lane.
Misconception: You need two hands to catch. Correction: One-handed catching provides greater reach and allows catching on the move.
Misconception: Stand still in ready position. Correction: Bounce lightly on toes - dynamic ready position allows quicker reactions than static stance.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with frequent changes (lesson structure supports this). Clear boundaries marked visibly with cones. Regular specific feedback and praise. Active role in every activity - minimal waiting time. Allow movement breaks if needed. Use of visual timers for possession rules. High-energy activities channeled positively.

dyspraxia

Larger, softer frisbees easier to catch. Reduced complexity - break skills into smaller steps. Extra practice time for new techniques. Slow-motion demonstrations. Reduce distances initially. Partner support for complex movement patterns. Positive reinforcement for effort. Allow for different hand preferences in catching.

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule showing lesson structure and timings. Consistent routines and signals. Quiet zone available if overwhelmed. Advance warning of transitions between activities. Small group work with familiar peers. Clear, concrete instructions avoiding ambiguous language. Reduce sensory overload - quieter environment if needed.

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured frisbees with high contrast against background. Provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations and spatial setups. Buddy system with sighted partner for guidance. Use audible signals (whistle, voice) for game changes. Position closer to teacher for demonstrations.

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised - all instructions shown as well as spoken. Use hand signals for common commands (STOP, GO, SWAP). Written instructions on whiteboard or cards. Ensure student positioned to see teacher's face for lip-reading. Buddy system for clarifying instructions.

physical disability

Seated or wheelchair-adapted version - catching and throwing from stationary position. Modified equipment (larger, lighter frisbees). Reduced court size and shorter distances. Allow additional time for movements. Partner support for positioning. Alternative role as coach/umpire if preferred.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and explaining complex instructions, using technical vocabulary accurately, articulating tactical ideas, discussing and evaluating performance

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry - understanding angles of passes, calculating distances between players, estimating time (3-second possession rule), counting scores and statistics, measuring court dimensions

Science

Forces and motion - trajectory of frisbee throws, friction between frisbee and air, body systems during exercise (cardiovascular response, breathing rate), reaction times and human response

Geography

Directional awareness and spatial positioning, mapping movement patterns around courts, understanding zones and territory in games, orientation and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship, communication skills, respecting opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner or edge positions during activities to maximise visibility of all students. During three simultaneous games, position centrally to observe all courts. Move continuously between groups during skill practices providing feedback.

Observation Focus

Priority focus on defensive skills (lesson objective): ready position maintenance, anticipation of passes, interception attempts, tactical positioning. Also monitor: safety (spacing, backwards movement), technique quality (one-handed catching), teamwork and communication.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: unsafe play occurs, rules not being followed (travelling, possession time), technique significantly incorrect, students excluded or upset, equipment issues arise. Pause activity for coaching points when common errors observed across multiple groups.

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all new skills personally before students attempt. Use exaggerated movements for key points - bent knees, weight on toes, hand forming 'C' shape. Show both correct technique and common errors for comparison. Select confident students to demonstrate after they've mastered skills. Demonstrate from multiple angles so all students see clearly.

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - knees bent, on your toes!'
•'Watch the thrower, not the receiver!'
•'Soft hands for catching - stay relaxed!'
•'Move to space - make yourself available!'
•'Quick release - you have 3 seconds!'
•'Read their eyes - where are they looking?'
•'Step into the passing lane!'
•'Anticipate where the frisbee is going!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor playground area, clear of obstacles. Adequate space for warm-up (two 15m x 10m areas), multiple skill practice stations (5m spacing between groups), and three game courts (20m x 15m each).

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards including water, equipment, or debris. Indoor hall floor or outdoor tarmac/astroturf appropriate. Grass surfaces must be dry and even.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use only soft frisbees appropriate for indoor/school use (not hard plastic)
•Check all frisbees for cracks or damage before lesson
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Equipment tubs positioned at edges of playing area, not in pathways
•Tablet/camera secured when not filming

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students moving in different directions during warm-up and games
•Frisbee strikes to face or head from throws
•Students running backwards to catch and colliding with others or equipment
•Slips and falls when changing direction quickly during games
•Fingers trapped or bent during one-handed catching if technique incorrect

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities with visible cone markers
•Adequate spacing between groups (minimum 5m) throughout lesson
•Enforce no-running rule during End Ball game - only travelling when not in possession
•Teach correct one-handed catching technique emphasising soft, relaxed hands
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic movements
•Clear STOP signals (whistle, hand up) established and rehearsed
•Remind students regularly to be aware of others and look where moving
•Underarm throws only during warm-up for control and safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally during skill practices to observe all groups simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities to provide close supervision
•During End Ball position to view all three courts - central point optimal
•Particular attention to students running backwards or in congested areas
•Monitor defensive activities for over-physical contact
•Watch for students who appear fatigued or distressed

Emergency Procedures

STOP all activity immediately using whistle and raised hand. Assess situation - if minor, provide first aid support and student sits out to recover. If serious, send responsible student for additional help/first aider, remain with injured student, rest of class sits quietly in designated area. Emergency contact information and first aid kit location known.