1. Standard Grade PE Revision
Tactics
Brannock High School

2. In all competitive activities the aim is to win
In all competitive activities the aim is to win. To do this, competitors need to make effective use of their own strengths and exploit the weaknesses of their opponent.
Competitors may therefore formulate a game-plan, or tactic that will help them to outwit their opponent. This is done before the activity begins, but can be adapted or changed during play or at official stoppages (half time, time outs etc.)
Let’s have a look at tactics being used in different activities…………………..

3. Think about the 100m sprint or a bike race where it’s an individual, indirectly competitive situation…………………….
In both these activities, the person who is in second place is using a race tactic called “slipstreaming”. This means that they are intentionally staying directly behind the leader, using them as a windbreaker.
This allows them to conserve energy and make a final burst for the finish line as their opponent tires.

4. In the High Jump, competitors are allowed to “pass” at some heights – choosing not to enter the competition until the bar is higher.
This tactic may affect the opposition mentally and put pressure on them. They may lose confidence if they are failing

5. In racket games such as Tennis and Badminton, a player’s tactic may be to make his opponent move in order to create space for a winning shot.
Let’s look at an example of a tactic used in Tennis………………….
Roger Federer, the World No.1, has a very powerful forehand shot. When playing against him in the French Open final, Rafael Nadal tried to make more shots to Federer’s weaker backhand side so that he could put Federer under pressure and win more points and eventually, the match.

6. BRAIN BUSTER
Think about a game of Badminton that you have played and either won, or played well in. Explain in detail, one tactic you used in this game to outwit your opponent.
Remember to describe what you did, and what your opponent did.

7. In team games, an effective tactic to use involves making best use of your team’s strengths.
Let’s look at Softball as an example…….
In Softball, your tactic may be to make sure that when you are fielding, your best catchers are on the bases, and your best throwers are playing outfield. This means that you will be able to make best use of your team’s strengths and use this to beat the opposition.

8. BRAIN BUSTER
Think about a team activity that you have played in. Explain in detail, one tactic that you used in this game that made use of your team’s strengths.

9. WIDTH DEPTH Principles of Play
When deciding on tactics for your activity, you will need to take into account the following principles of play:
WIDTH
DEPTH

10. Width
In Football, one tactic the manager may apply to his team is the formation. In this formation, there are three defenders, five midfielders and two attackers.
In this tactic, the team will make good use of the widths of the pitch with the five midfielders. This will allow them to create attacking opportunities from the widths of the pitch, making crosses from the wingers and cause their opposition’s defence to be stretched. This will allow better attacking opportunities for the team.

11. Depth
In Hockey, a team may take the decision to play with a “sweeper”. This is a player who plays behind the last line of defence, just in front of the goal keeper. This player creates depth in defence as the attacking team have more defensive players to outwit in order to create attacking opportunities.

12. Basketball Example
In Basketball, there are two types of defence that a team can play – man-to man and zone defence.
Man – to – Man Defence
In defence, each player is responsible for marking one player in the opposing team. This means that you must take on the responsibility for marking one player only.
Zone Defence
In defence, each player is responsible for marking one area of their defensive half. As soon as a player from the opposing team comes into your area, it is your responsibility to mark them.

13. BRAIN BUSTER
Work with a partner. Write down, in your jotter, three reasons for choosing Man-to-man defence in Basketball, and three reasons for choosing zone defence.

14. worksheet 3.5 Section 3.5 – Tactics Completed
To finish this section, you will be given a work sheet to complete as homework. Use your notes to help you with the answers. If you need help with a question, you can look up the Standard Grade book or ask you teacher.
If you have access to the internet, you can also find help on the Bitesize website