Strategic Movement
•Year 9
•Ultimate Frisbee
•Check discs for cracks or warping before lesson, have spares ready
Alternative: Soft flying discs for beginners, regulation 175g discs for advanced play
Pre-sort into two colour groups for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or team jerseys
Use bright colours for visibility, secure on windy days
Alternative: Spot markers, corner flags
For timing activities and managing transitions
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, sports watch
To respond immediately to a change in game situation, such as a turnover or scoring opportunity
The distance maintained between offensive players to create passing lanes and prevent defensive coverage
The ability to watch both the disc and defensive players simultaneously
When possession changes from one team to another due to incomplete pass, interception, or rule violation
Keeping one foot planted while moving the other to create passing angles
Offensive strategy where player immediately moves to new position after releasing the disc
Keeping control of the disc through accurate passing and intelligent decision-making
Strategic placement on the court to maximise offensive opportunities or defensive coverage
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Technical vocabulary development (terminology like pivoting, turnover, split vision), verbal communication during game play, providing constructive feedback using appropriate language, articulating tactical understanding during reflections, listening skills during peer and teacher feedback
Measuring and estimating distances for spacing (5-7 metres), calculating angles for optimal throwing trajectories, geometry of diamond formations and triangular passing lanes, timing and measuring reaction speeds in seconds, statistical analysis of successful passes versus turnovers, percentage calculations for success rates
Forces and motion - understanding disc flight aerodynamics (lift and drag), Newton's laws of motion applied to throwing and catching, friction between surface and shoes during rapid direction changes, energy transfer from arm to disc during throws, biomechanics of pivoting movement, cardiovascular response to exercise (heart rate elevation and recovery)
Spatial awareness and positioning on court, understanding directional movement (forward, backward, lateral), mapping offensive and defensive formations, using full field dimensions strategically, awareness of wind direction impact on disc flight
Teamwork and collaborative skills in competitive situations, resilience when facing challenges or losing, managing emotions under competitive pressure, communication skills for effective team play, leadership development through captaincy and peer coaching, fair play and sportsmanship values, self-assessment and honest reflection for personal growth
Position yourself on the sideline with clear visibility of all playing areas during games. Move around the perimeter rather than staying static - this allows varied angles for observation and keeps all students aware of your presence. During skill development, position at corner of playing area to see all 4 goals simultaneously. During cool-down discussion, sit at student level in the circle to create inclusive atmosphere.
Watch specifically for: 1) Spacing maintenance - are offensive players 5-7m apart creating passing lanes? 2) Reaction times - are transitions from offence to defence happening within 2-3 seconds? 3) Safety - monitor for overly aggressive play, collisions, or fatigue signs. 4) Technical skill application under pressure - are throws, catches, and pivots maintaining quality in competitive situations? 5) Communication - is it happening proactively without prompting?
Intervene immediately if: 1) Safety is compromised (aggressive play, collisions, hazardous conditions), 2) Spacing has collapsed to point where game flow is impossible, 3) Students showing signs of significant fatigue or distress, 4) Rule violations are consistent and affecting game quality, 5) Negative interactions or poor sportsmanship occurs. Use whistle for immediate stops, use 'FREEZE' for teaching moments where positions should be held for analysis.
Demonstrate: Use exaggeration when showing key concepts - bend knees deeply for ready position, spread arms wide to show spacing distances, react explosively to show speed expected. When demonstrating formations, use actual students positioned correctly rather than just verbal explanation - visual learners need to see it. Freeze demonstrations at key points to allow observation. For incorrect examples, show the error first, then immediately contrast with correct technique. Always ask for student volunteers to demonstrate with you - this increases engagement and provides models at peer level.
Minimum 50m x 30m for full games, 40m x 30m acceptable for 4v4 or 6v6 modified games. Additional 3m clearance around all boundaries from walls, fences, or obstacles required.
Dry, even surface free from holes, loose stones, or debris. Grass fields must be free of standing water. Indoor courts must be clean and dry with no moisture. Check for trip hazards before lesson begins.
Blow whistle twice sharply and call 'STOP' if injury occurs. All play ceases immediately and all frisbees placed on ground. Assess injured student - if minor, provide appropriate first aid and support. If serious, follow school emergency protocols, send reliable student for additional adult support, keep injured student still and comfortable, do not move if head, neck, or back injury suspected. Other students moved to safe area under supervision of responsible student leader if needed while teacher attends to emergency.
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