⚾

Lesson 6 - Tactical Decision Making Under Pressure

Tactical Decision-Making in Danish Longball

•

Year 8

•

Danish Longball

•

Big Question

How can we make smart tactical decisions when under pressure in competitive situations?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate specific tactical awareness in Danish Longball situations
Make appropriate decisions under pressure during competitive play
Work effectively as part of a team in tournament conditions

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved tactical decision-making in game situations
Students will show resilience and composure when under competitive pressure
Students will effectively communicate and coordinate during team play

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

6-8 balls

Keep spare balls at each court boundary for quick retrieval

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls if soft balls unavailable

Cones

24-30 cones

Use different colours for throwing line and scoring zones

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines for court boundaries

Team bibs

4 sets of different colours (7 bibs per set)

Assign one colour per team for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Sun Markers

2-3 courts depending on class size

Ensure clear visibility of all boundary lines and scoring zones

Alternative: Rope or chalk lines if permanent markings unavailable

PE Equipment

1 tablet or camera

Position for best angle to capture tactical play and decision-making

Alternative: Mobile phone with good video quality

Stopwatch

1 per student

Clearly visible to all students for timed innings awareness

Alternative: Classroom clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to understand game situations and make appropriate strategic decisions

Decision making under pressure

Making quick, effective choices when facing time constraints or competitive stress

Tournament format

A structured competition where teams play multiple matches with overall standings

Tracking

Following an opponent's movement to deny them space or opportunities

Positional play

Strategic positioning of players to maximise defensive or attacking effectiveness

Communication

Clear, purposeful verbal and non-verbal signals between teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic Danish Longball rules and scoring system
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of fielding positions and movement patterns

Current Skills

Advanced tactical decision-making under pressure
Team communication and coordination strategies
Tournament play and competitive mindset development

Next Steps

Advanced tournament strategies across multiple sports
Leadership roles in competitive situations
Coaching and officiating skills development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tactical decision-making throughout tournament

Effective communication during high-pressure moments

Demonstration of sportsmanship and leadership qualities

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness develops through practice under pressure - create authentic competitive situations
Communication is crucial for team success - model and demand clear, purposeful team talk
Decision-making improves when students understand the consequences of their choices
Leadership skills emerge when students are given responsibility and clear expectations
Tournament format provides ideal assessment opportunities across all three domains
Video footage is invaluable for analysis and celebration of tactical excellence
Self and peer assessment develop metacognitive awareness of tactical development

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that physical speed and strength are more important than tactical intelligence
Believing that shouting is more effective than clear, purposeful communication
Assuming that individual brilliance is better than coordinated team tactics
Misconception that pressure always leads to poor decision-making rather than opportunity for growth
Thinking that competitive situations are only about winning rather than learning and development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide specific roles and responsibilities, use movement as positive outlet

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for throwing technique, use larger balls for easier handling, provide simplified tactical instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for tournament format, offer quiet spaces for breaks, use visual schedules for activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for navigation support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures for communication, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, provide written tactical instructions

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and court sizes, allow seated participation where appropriate, modify running requirements to walking pace

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament statistics calculation, scoring systems using division and rounding, time management during timed innings

Science

Physics of projectile motion in throwing, biomechanics of running and throwing techniques, psychology of performance under pressure

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions for tactical advantage

PSHE

Leadership development, resilience under pressure, teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location between courts during tournament for maximum visibility and quick intervention capability

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making quality, communication effectiveness, competitive behaviour, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, poor sportsmanship, or when students need tactical guidance during learning phases

Demonstration Notes

Use video footage effectively during plenary, model positive competitive attitude throughout, highlight tactical excellence as it occurs

Verbal Cues

•'Look for space!' when students need tactical reminders
•'Communicate!' when teams are not talking effectively
•'Smart decisions!' to reinforce tactical thinking over rushed play

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from debris, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls inspected for damage and appropriate pressure
•Cones checked for stability and no sharp edges
•Team bibs checked for secure fastening without safety hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during high-intensity tournament play
•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes and running
•Overexertion during sustained competitive activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Throwing technique emphasised to ensure below-chest targeting
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament play
•Progressive intensity building through warm-up and skill development

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at central location for visibility of all courts during tournament
•Monitor throwing technique and ball contact levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion during competitive play
•Ensure fair play and positive competitive atmosphere

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, basic first aid available, clear evacuation routes maintained