1. 4th year Dance
Tactics
Theory Lesson 3

2. Definition of a tactic
A tactic is a specific way of carrying out a particular strategy and of applying in action principles of play common in games.

3. Application of a tactic (when)
The choice of tactic will often depend upon the time left and the score within a game.
Aim of a tactic is to play to your individual and team strengths, but more importantly exploit your opponent’s weaknesses!
Change of tactic may be required if your opponent changes their tactics.

4. Individual tactic example - tennis
Counter attack in tennis
Wait for ‘right’ attacking opportunity
Allow opposition to take initiative in game (slow)
Once opposition become use to the slow rally play counter attack by opting for a fast, strong and powerful shot down the line to win the rally!

5. Physical and Personal qualities
You must consider your own and your teams physical and personal qualities for tactics to be effective.
Physical qualities – CRE, muscular endurance, speed, strength, power and flexibility
Personal qualities – determination, courage and self-confidence.

6. Netball example (physical and personal tactic considerations)
Physical: The shooter in netball is tall and can use their height to get closer to the net in order to score. Personal: The shooter is determined to get close to the net before shooting.

7. Communication
Communication both verbal and non-verbal are important for tactics to be effective.
Verbal communication in teams games is important to be able to respond to spoken instruction from the coach and your team mates about when to change from attack to defence.
Non-verbal signs can also be very important as hand signals can disguise your teams tactics from the opposition.

8. Analysis of performance - credit
Skill level should be considered when applying tactics in sport to ensure the tactics can be implemented successfully. It could be that the decision-making associated with the tactic is effective, but the skills required for completing the tactic are not! This is why analysis of performance before, during and after an activity is crucial.

9. Zone marking tactic
Zone marking is a method of defending in football that requires each player to be responsible for an area of the pitch covering the width and dept of the pitch.

10. Zone marking conti....
Advantage: forms a compact area around the most dangerous attacking positions. Defensive players should react quickly and maintain the distance between their teams mates to ensure the defensive remains balanced
Disadvantage: is that if players watch the ball and not the attacker, then the attacker can find space to create a scoring opportunity.

11. Zone marking conti...
Communication is vital if players are to work effectively together.
When applying the different options in this defensive formation there are different principles of play, attacking tactics and skills to consider.

12. Zone marking conti... Principles of play
Defensive tactics – zone marking
Effective skills
Width
Depth
Delay
Team responsibilities – moving as a unit
Awareness of attackers
Make effective tactical decisions
Heading
Quick reaction times
Effective communication

13. Defensive tactics – player marking
Man to man marking
With player marking each individual defender has responsibility for marking an attacking player.
Defenders should also have an overview of the positions of team mates.
Principles of play
Defensive tactics – player marking
Effective skills
Width
Depth
Delay
Player responsibilities
Positioning ability
Defenders selected to mark specific attackers
Heading
Quick reaction times
Effective communication

14. Pass Paper Questions 2005 credit
(i) What is meant by tactics? (2)
(ii) Sometimes you have to change from your original tactics. Give three reasons why you may have to chance from your original tactics. (3)

15. Answers
(i) A tactic is a system of play made up before/during a game to increase chance of success/take advantage of strengths/limit weaknesses/limit opponents’ strengths/protect own weaknesses (2 marks)
(ii) Running out of time/run down the clock/ man sent off/injured/winning/losing/counter attack/conditions didn’t suit tactic (3 marks)

16. Conti...
Tactics can be important in individual activities. Choose an individual activity.
(i) Describe your starting tactic in this activity. (1)
(ii) Explain why you chose this starting tactic. (2)
(iii) Sometimes you may need to change your starting tactic. Describe the new tactic that you used. (1)
(iv) Explain why you thought that this new tactic would be more effective. (2)

17. Answers 2 (i) Tennis: serve and run quickly to the net (1)
(ii) I am a strong volleyer and getting to the net quickly lets me use this skill (2)
(iii) New tactic: I stayed at the base line until my opponent was under pressure (1)
(iv) I had more time to play my shots and therefore stayed in the rally longer (2)

18. Tactics Homework Submit: 14/9/10
Tactics may be based on the following considerations: Tactical considerations: Own strength; Opponent's weakness; Opponent's strength; Own weakness.
(i) Choose an individual activity. Choose one tactical consideration from above. Explain this strength/weakness. Describe the tactic you used as a result of this. (3)
(ii) Choose a team activity. Choose a different consideration from above. Explain this strength/weakness. Describe the tactic you used as a result of this. (3)