Lesson 5 - Communication & Space Finding
Tactical Awareness & Strategy
•Year 8
•Ultimate Frisbee
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can effective communication and quick movement create scoring opportunities in competitive situations?
Learning Objectives
- Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with teammates during dynamic gameplay
- Demonstrate the ability to quickly identify and move into space in tight, pressured situations
- Apply tactical decision-making to utilise space and create scoring opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will communicate clearly with teammates using calls, signals and body language
- Students will consistently find and exploit space to receive passes and create attacking opportunities
- Students will make tactical decisions about when and where to move to support team play
Equipment & Resources Required
Have extra frisbees at side of pitch for quick replacement if discs go out of bounds
Alternative: Flying discs, soft discs for students with catching anxiety
Use different colours to distinguish between different activity zones
Alternative: Spots, markers, or natural boundaries
Ensure D markings are clearly visible as these act as end zones
Alternative: Mark out approximate court with cones if netball court unavailable (20m x 40m recommended)
Distributed before game application to speed up transitions
Alternative: Different coloured pinnies or bands
Key Vocabulary
Clear verbal and non-verbal signals that help teammates understand your intentions and position
Moving away from defenders into open areas where you can receive a pass safely
A quick passing combination where you pass to a teammate and immediately move to receive a return pass
The scoring area at each end of the Ultimate Frisbee pitch where catches result in points
The throw that starts each point, similar to a kick-off in football, thrown by the defensive team
Running at an angle rather than straight, making it harder for defenders to track and intercept
Choices made during play about positioning, timing, and movement based on the game situation
Making effective use of all available playing area to spread the defence and create opportunities
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic frisbee throwing and catching techniques from previous lessons
- Understanding of offensive and defensive roles
- Basic awareness of space and positioning
- Fundamental rules of Ultimate Frisbee including no-contact and pivoting
Current Skills
- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication during gameplay
- Quick identification and movement into space under pressure
- One-two passing combinations and give-and-go movements
- Tactical decision-making about positioning and timing
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical systems and team formations
- Creating and executing set plays from the pull
- Zone defence strategies and communication
- Tournament play with multiple teams and complex scenarios
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication requires volume, clarity, and specificity - say names not just 'Here!'
- Finding space means moving AWAY from defenders and congested areas before calling for disc
- Diagonal runs are more effective than straight runs for losing defenders and creating passing angles
- One-two passing creates numerical advantage and breaks defensive pressure
- Clearing space after passing prevents congestion and creates opportunities for teammates
- The 3-second rule promotes quick decision-making and maintains game flow
- Spirit of the game (fair play, self-officiating) is fundamental to Ultimate Frisbee culture
- Width and depth in positioning stretches defences and creates scoring opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'I just need to catch and throw well to succeed.' Reality: Communication and spatial awareness are equally important as technical skills in Ultimate Frisbee.
- Misconception: 'Calling for the disc is being greedy or bossy.' Reality: Clear communication helps your team succeed and shows confidence and leadership.
- Misconception: 'The best position is close to the disc.' Reality: Creating space often means moving AWAY from the disc to spread the defence and create passing options.
- Misconception: 'Running straight forward is the fastest way to the end zone.' Reality: Diagonal runs confuse defenders and create better angles even if the path is technically longer.
- Misconception: 'Good defence is about speed and athleticism only.' Reality: Smart positioning, anticipation and communication are more important than pure speed.
- Misconception: 'Ultimate is just like other throwing games.' Reality: The spirit of the game (self-officiating, fair play) makes Ultimate unique and requires different social skills.
- Misconception: 'I should try to score every time I get the disc.' Reality: Team play, building through passes, and creating opportunities for others is more effective than individual heroics.
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activity changes frequent (every 2-3 minutes) to maintain engagement. Provide clear, brief instructions with demonstration. Use active supervision with proximity and positive reinforcement. Assign leadership or specific roles to channel energy positively. Allow brief movement breaks if focus waning. Use visual timers so student can see time remaining. Reduce waiting time - keep all students active simultaneously. Provide specific, immediate feedback frequently. Position near supportive peers and away from distractions.
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer frisbees that are easier to control and catch. Break skills into smaller, sequential steps with extra practice time. Provide additional demonstrations and modelling. Allow more time to process instructions and execute movements. Reduce complexity of movement patterns initially. Pair with patient, supportive partner. Offer verbal rehearsal before physical execution. Celebrate effort and small improvements explicitly. Consider alternative roles that suit strengths (e.g., tactical organiser if throwing challenging).
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson structure before starting. Use clear, concrete language avoiding idioms or ambiguity. Establish predictable routines and stick to them consistently. Offer quiet zones or brief breaks if sensory overwhelm occurs. Pre-teach lesson content using visual supports if possible. Use visual boundary markers (lines, cones) for clear spatial definition. Limit group size for less social complexity initially. Provide written or visual rules posted visibly. Allow additional processing time for instructions. Offer specific role rather than open-ended participation.
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured or larger frisbees for better visibility. Provide verbal descriptions of spatial setup and positions. Assign a sighted buddy for guidance during activities. Use auditory cues (call name loudly before passing). Consider using a bell disc (disc with bell inside) for auditory tracking. Reduce playing area size for better spatial management. Provide high-contrast bibs for team distinction.
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively with exaggerated movements. Provide written instruction cards or visual diagrams of activities. Develop hand signal system for common calls (e.g., pointing for 'pass here'). Ensure student can see teacher's face for lip-reading during instructions. Pair with hearing buddy who can relay verbal instructions. Use visual cues for start/stop (flags, lights) rather than whistle. Position student where they can see most teammates during gameplay.
physical disability
- Modify playing area to smaller court with wheelchair access if needed. Allow longer time limits for passing (5 seconds instead of 3). Consider seated or walking-only version of game with modified movement rules. Use lighter, softer discs that are easier to throw and catch. Allow use of adapted equipment (e.g., frisbee launcher, larger catching target). Create zones where less mobile students can be effective contributors. Adjust scoring rules to value all contributions (e.g., points for assists not just scoring).
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Oracy skills: Clear verbal communication under pressure. Vocabulary development: Technical terminology and sport-specific language. Instruction following: Listening and comprehending multi-step instructions. Articulating reasoning: Explaining tactical decisions during reflection.
Maths
Calculating scores and statistics (points scored, completion percentage, interception rate). Geometry: Understanding angles for best passing lanes and cutting angles. Spatial reasoning: Calculating distances and optimal positioning on court. Data handling: Recording and analysing game statistics. Problem-solving: Working out tactical solutions to defensive pressure.
Science
Forces: Understanding spin, trajectory and aerodynamics of frisbee flight. Friction: How surface type affects movement and disc travel. Body systems: Cardiovascular and respiratory response to exercise. Energy transfer: How muscles convert energy for explosive movements. Newton's laws: Action and reaction in throwing, momentum in catching.
Drama
Body language and non-verbal communication: Using gestures and positioning to convey intentions. Spatial awareness: Understanding of staging and positioning similar to court positioning. Performance under pressure: Similar to performing for audience.
Geography
Spatial awareness: Understanding of relative positions and mapping movement patterns. Scale and proportion: Relating pitch dimensions to movement distances. Directions: Using directional language (diagonal, perpendicular, parallel) for movement.
PSHE
Teamwork and communication: Essential cooperation skills transferable beyond sport. Resilience: Coping with mistakes, setbacks and competitive pressure. Leadership: Organising teammates and making collective decisions. Respect and empathy: Spirit of the game embodies fairness and understanding. Emotional regulation: Managing competitive emotions appropriately. Inclusion: Valuing all contributions regardless of skill level.
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
During games: Position on sideline at mid-court for best visibility of both ends. During skill activities: Move between groups providing specific feedback. During demonstrations: Central position where all students can see clearly. Avoid having students face bright windows or sun.
Observation Focus
Priority 1: Safety (contact, collisions, unsafe movements). Priority 2: Communication (volume, clarity, frequency of verbal calls). Priority 3: Spatial awareness (are students finding genuine space or bunching?). Priority 4: Technical execution (catching, throwing, pivoting). Priority 5: Social interactions (encouragement, fair play, inclusion).
Intervention Points
Intervene immediately for: Any physical contact between students, unsafe throwing (at head height when close), collisions or near-collisions, emotional distress, rule disputes escalating. Pause activity briefly for: Mid-game coaching points, highlighting excellent examples, correcting widespread technical issues, re-establishing expectations.
Demonstration Notes
Always use volunteers from class for demonstrations rather than demonstrating solo where possible. Ensure demonstrations visible to all students (check sightlines). Perform demonstrations at slow speed first, then full speed. Exaggerate key movements for clarity. Narrate what you're doing while demonstrating. Repeat demonstrations if students unclear - never assume understanding.
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes up, heads up!' - when students looking down
- •'Call for it!' - when students not communicating
- •'Spread out, use the width!' - when bunching occurs
- •'Soft hands, watch it in!' - for catching reminders
- •'Quick release!' - when students holding disc too long
- •'Clear space!' - when students standing in passing lanes
- •'That's it!' - immediate positive reinforcement
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court (minimum 30m x 15m) or equivalent space. Multiple smaller zones required during skill development activities. Minimum 2m clearance from walls and obstacles. For class of 30, full court or two half-courts recommended.
Surface Check
Indoor court: Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from dust or moisture. Check for loose floorboards or surface damage. Outdoor: Dry, level tarmac or artificial surface. Not suitable for muddy or wet grass due to direction changes and pivoting requirements.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all frisbees for cracks, sharp edges or damage before use - replace damaged discs immediately
- •Ensure cones have no sharp points and are stable when placed
- •Check bib elastic and fabric for tears that could cause injury when pulling on/off
- •Frisbees should be appropriate weight for Year 8 (standard 175g ultimate disc or lighter training disc)
- •Have spare frisbees available to replace any that become damaged during lesson
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during dynamic running and cutting movements
- •Contact between students competing for disc (against rules but may occur)
- •Frisbee strikes to face or body during throwing/catching
- •Slips, trips and falls during rapid direction changes and pivoting
- •Overexertion or dehydration during extended game play
- •Finger injuries from poor catching technique or hard throws
- •Emotional distress from competitive pressure or perceived failure
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish and enforce strict no-contact rule with immediate stoppages if breached
- •Teach and reinforce proper catching technique (two hands, watch disc into hands)
- •Clearly defined playing boundaries to prevent running into obstacles
- •Adequate spacing between different activity groups during skill practices
- •Progressive skill building before competitive game to develop competence
- •Active supervision positioned for maximum visibility of all students
- •Regular reminders about calling 'Coming through!' when moving through groups
- •Emphasise looking up and awareness of surroundings during movement
- •Enforced water breaks or opportunities if weather warm or lesson extended
- •Promote spirit of the game and fair play culture to reduce competitive tension
- •Clear communication that mistakes are learning opportunities to reduce anxiety
- •Match students appropriately in competitive situations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position on sideline during games with clear sightline to entire playing area
- •Move between groups during skill activities to provide close observation
- •Watch particularly for collisions during weaving relay and game cutting movements
- •Monitor defensive intensity in square grid activity - intervene if too physical
- •Scan for students showing signs of fatigue, overheating or emotional distress
- •Be alert for students with pre-existing injuries potentially aggravated by activity
- •Position to observe both teams during gameplay to catch unsafe behaviour quickly
- •Keep complete class in view at all times - never turn back to large groups
Emergency Procedures
STOP activity immediately if injury occurs using loud whistle or 'STOP!' command. Assess injured student without moving them unnecessarily. Send responsible student to alert emergency contacts if serious. Apply appropriate first aid within training competence. Complete accident report form. Contact parents if injury requires. Resume activity only when safe to do so and other students adequately supervised.