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Lesson 2 - Ball Collection & Communication

Tactical Decision-Making in Danish Longball

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Year 8

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Danish Longball

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can effective communication and precise ball collection skills give your team a tactical advantage in Danish Longball?

Learning Objectives

Develop proficient ball collection techniques using one and two hands in dynamic situations
Demonstrate effective communication and active listening skills during team activities
Apply tactical awareness and decision-making in Danish Longball game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute ball collection techniques with control and fluency
Students will communicate clearly and respond appropriately to teammate instructions
Students will demonstrate understanding of fielding tactics and positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20

Distributed at activity stations, check for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

40-50

Mark court boundaries, throwing lines, and collection points

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for boundaries

Targets

7 hoops

Positioned at shoulder height, 3 metres apart along wall

Alternative: Chalk circles, target sheets on wall

Hoops

10-12

Various sizes for different skill levels and activities

Alternative: Rope circles, drawn circles with chalk

Team bibs

30 (3 colours)

Clear colour distinction for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Ball Collection

The technique of gathering a moving ball efficiently using one or two hands

Overarm Throw

Throwing technique with arm extended above shoulder level for distance and power

Underarm Throw

Gentle throwing technique with arm swinging below shoulder level for accuracy

Communication

Clear, purposeful verbal and non-verbal interaction between team members

Fielding

Defensive team's efforts to prevent scoring and dismiss opponents

Tactics

Strategic decisions and positioning to gain competitive advantage

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of simple team game rules
Fundamental movement skills and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Dynamic ball collection techniques
Team communication and listening skills
Tactical awareness in Danish Longball

Next Steps

Advanced throwing accuracy under pressure
Complex tactical formations and strategies
Leadership and coaching skills development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball collection without fumbling

Clear, purposeful communication during activities

Strategic thinking evident in game decisions

Key Teaching Points

Ball collection requires aggressive approach with low body position and secure two-handed grip
Communication must be clear, specific, and timely to be effective in team situations
Tactical positioning in fielding teams requires understanding of likely ball placement and runner routes
Throwing accuracy improves with proper side-on stance and consistent follow-through technique
Team success depends on combining individual skills with collective strategic thinking
Safety in Danish Longball requires controlled throwing below chest level and awareness of other players
Progressive skill development builds confidence and competence before applying pressure situations

Common Misconceptions

Students think ball collection is passive - emphasise aggressive attacking approach to ball
Belief that individual skill is more important than team communication - stress collective success
Misconception that throwing harder equals better performance - focus on accuracy and placement
Assumption that fielding positions are fixed - teach adaptive positioning based on game situation
Thinking that competition means winning at all costs - emphasise fair play and skill development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer additional movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines and expectations, provide visual schedule of activities, offer quiet retreat space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions, ensure visual contact when communicating

physical disability

Adapt collection techniques for seated players, modify throwing distances, provide alternative equipment like larger balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication skills, following and giving complex instructions

Maths

Calculating scores and statistics, measuring throwing distances, understanding angles for optimal throws

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, friction and momentum in ball collection, cardiovascular responses to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping, understanding direction and positioning, court orientation and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, managing competitive emotions, building resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to observe all students, position at corners for maximum court visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ball collection technique, effective communication, safe play, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, provide additional support for struggling students, manage competitive intensity

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique clarity, provide both correct and incorrect examples, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Attack the ball with confidence!'
•'Communicate clearly with your teammates!'
•'Stay low for better ball control!'
•'Think about your positioning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor court space minimum 30m x 20m per court, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check soft balls for damage and proper inflation
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bibs clean and properly fitted

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Ball strikes to head or face area
•Slips during dynamic direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Throwing restrictions below chest level
•Adequate spacing between courts and activities
•Progressive skill building before full game application

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue and overexertion
•Ensure safe throwing techniques maintained

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes established