Unit Plan 21 (Grade 4 PE): Ultimate Frisbee Small-Sided Games

Focus: Develop throwing and catching on the move, improve cutting to open space, and strengthen sportsmanship and self-officiating through small-sided Ultimate Frisbee.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Ultimate Frisbee • Throwing & Catching • Offense, Defense & Spirit of the Game)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore Ultimate Frisbee as a fast-moving invasion game built on teamwork, movement to space, and respectful play. In this unit, students begin with backhand and forehand throws to moving targets and lead-pass practice so they can learn how to throw to where a teammate is going, not just where the teammate is standing. They then apply those skills in 3v3 or 4v4 Ultimate Games with endzones and simple self-officiating expectations. Throughout the unit, students focus on accurate throws, catching while moving, cutting into open space, defending without contact, and honoring the spirit of the game through honesty, calm communication, and respectful conflict resolution.

Essential Questions

• How can I throw a disc so a teammate can catch it while moving?
• Why is cutting to open space important in Ultimate Frisbee?
• What does good defensive position look like without body contact?
• How does spirit of the game help Ultimate Frisbee stay fair and enjoyable?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Throw and catch a Frisbee with improving accuracy while partners or teammates are moving.
2. Combine skills in sequence, such as catch → pivot → throw → cut to space → receive again.
3. Use personal and general space effectively by spreading out and moving into open lanes.
4. Apply simple offensive strategies such as lead passes, cutting to space, and choosing a good passing option.
5. Apply simple defensive strategies such as staying between a player and the endzone, marking without contact, and attempting legal interceptions.
6. Demonstrate self-control and sportsmanship during game play, especially after dropped passes, missed throws, or close plays.
7. Use simple conflict-resolution and self-officiating strategies to solve disagreements and keep the game moving.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.4c – Throwing & Catching with Accuracy Throw (overhand and underhand) and catch objects with accuracy and consistency while both partners or players are moving.
  • Example: Students complete passing patterns in small-sided games, leading a moving teammate with an accurate throw.
• PE:S1.4f – Combining Skills in Game Sequences Combine multiple skills (dribble, pass, catch, shoot, strike, run, dodge) in game-like sequences with basic fluidity.
  • Example: In handball lead-up games, students catch a pass, take a few steps to open space, and then pass or shoot toward a goal.
• PE:S2.4a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use personal and general space effectively by moving to open areas, avoiding overcrowded zones, and maintaining safe distances in games.
  • Example: In small-sided games, students spread out instead of clustering around the ball, making it easier to receive passes.
• PE:S2.4d – Offensive Strategies in Small-Sided Games Demonstrate basic offensive strategies such as moving without the ball, creating passing lanes, using give-and-go plays, and choosing high-percentage shots.
  • Example: In a 3v3 basketball or soccer game, students cut to open space to receive a pass and choose appropriate times to shoot.
• PE:S2.4e – Defensive Strategies & Position Play Demonstrate basic defensive ideas such as maintaining proper position (between opponent and goal), marking a player, and attempting legal interceptions.
  • Example: A student stays between an opponent and the goal in handball or soccer, trying to block shots or intercept passes without fouling.
• PE:S4.4c – Emotional Regulation & Sportsmanship Demonstrate self-control and positive sportsmanship by handling winning and losing respectfully, managing frustration, and encouraging others.
  • Example: A student calmly accepts a referee’s call or a loss, shakes hands with the other team, and says “good game.”
• PE:S4.4d – Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving Use agreed-upon strategies (e.g., rock-paper-scissors, replaying a point, group discussion) to resolve conflicts and keep activities running smoothly.
  • Example: When players disagree about an out-of-bounds call, they use rock-paper-scissors to decide and immediately resume play.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can throw a Frisbee to a teammate who is moving into space.
• I can catch, pivot, and throw without standing still too long.
• I can spread out and cut into open space to help my team.
• I can defend by staying in front and using my feet instead of contact.
• I can solve small disagreements respectfully and keep the game fair.