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Lesson 4 - Anticipation & Advanced Catching

Tactical Decision-Making in Danish Longball

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Year 8

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Danish Longball

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1h 5min

Big Question

How do elite athletes use anticipation and spatial awareness to gain tactical advantages in invasion games?

Learning Objectives

Develop a strong sense of anticipation and spatial awareness during dynamic game situations
Master catching techniques whilst moving at speed and under pressure
Demonstrate tactical awareness of positioning and movement in invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently anticipate play and position themselves effectively
Students will catch accurately whilst moving and adapt to different ball trajectories
Students will apply tactical movement patterns in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20

Store in equipment bag, distributed as needed for activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

40-50

Used for court boundaries and activity markers

Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines

Team bibs

30 (2 sets of 15)

Two contrasting colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, house shirts

Sun Markers

Permanent or temporary lines

Clear boundaries for Danish Longball courts

Alternative: Rope, tape, chalk

PE Equipment

1 tablet/camera

For recording technique and providing feedback

Alternative: Smartphone with tripod

Key Vocabulary

Anticipation

The ability to predict what will happen next in a game situation and position yourself accordingly

Space awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to teammates, opponents, and boundaries

Interception

Gaining possession of the ball whilst it is being passed between opponents

Tracking

Following the movement of the ball, teammates, or opponents with your eyes and body position

Body position

The way you position your body to be most effective for catching, throwing, or moving

Timing

Coordinating your movements to arrive at the right place at the right moment

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching techniques from stationary positions
Understanding of Danish Longball basic rules
Fundamental throwing techniques

Current Skills

Catching whilst moving at various speeds
Anticipation and spatial awareness
Tactical positioning and movement

Next Steps

Advanced team strategies and formations
Complex intercepting techniques
Leadership and captaincy skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate above 80% whilst moving

Ability to anticipate teammate and opponent movements

Effective communication and positioning in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Use non-throwing arm to disguise pass direction and create deception
Communicate with hand signals not voice to avoid alerting defending team
Catch at eye level with soft hands to cushion ball impact
Anticipate play by reading body language and positioning, not just ball watching
Lead runners with passes - throw to where they will be, not where they are
Fielders must remain static when in possession - this changes all tactics
Quality movement creates space - don't just run randomly, move with purpose

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Catching is just about hand position' - Correction: Emphasise timing, body position, and soft hands working together
Misconception: 'Shouting loudly helps teammates' - Correction: Hand signals prevent defending team from intercepting communication
Misconception: 'Throwing harder is always better' - Correction: Accuracy and timing are more important than power
Misconception: 'Watch the ball only' - Correction: Read the thrower's whole body to anticipate direction
Misconception: 'Moving with the ball helps fielding' - Correction: Explain how static rule changes tactics and positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with more transitions, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, reduced movement complexity initially, additional practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection space available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Enhanced visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for communication

physical disability

Seated catching variations, modified throwing distances, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, communication skills, following and giving instructions

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory and gravity, reaction times and nervous system

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns

Mathematics

Calculating odds and evens, timing and measurement, angles of throws, scoring and statistics

PSHE

Communication skills, teamwork and leadership, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill development, central position during demonstrations, sideline during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for communication, anticipation skills, catching technique, tactical awareness, and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when technique deteriorates significantly, safety concerns arise, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations frequently, exaggerate key techniques for visibility, video record for immediate feedback

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands like catching eggs!'
•'Signal with hands, not voices!'
•'Read their body language!'
•'Anticipate where the ball will go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m area with clear boundaries for multiple courts/activities

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from hazards, suitable for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls checked for appropriate inflation and condition
•Cones positioned safely without sharp edges
•Video equipment secured and positioned out of playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during catching activities
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Ball strikes to head during high catching

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between activity groups maintained
•Emphasis on communication during catching to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
•Use of soft balls to reduce impact injury risk

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed