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Lesson 5 - Tactical Dodgeball and Officiating

Tactical Awareness in Team Play

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Year 3

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can we use teamwork and tactics to become better dodgeball players and fair officials?

Learning Objectives

To attack decisively using tactical approaches in dodgeball
To defend skilfully as a team using coordinated strategies
To work alongside others to agree and implement tactics effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in dodgeball gameplay
Students will show improved teamwork and communication skills
Students will officiate games fairly and confidently

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

8-12 balls

Placed along centre line before each game

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags

Cones

8 cones

Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Distinguish teams clearly for all participants

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Whistles

For game start/stop and officiating practice

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Video Device

To capture gameplay for assessment purposes

Alternative: Observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage in the game

Quick Start

A fast-paced tactic to eliminate an opponent early in the game

Shield Defence

Using a ball to deflect incoming throws while protecting teammates

Number Attack

Coordinated simultaneous throws at a designated target

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of dodgeball rules
Experience working in teams

Current Skills

Tactical attacking and defending
Team communication and strategy
Officiating and fair play

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations
Leadership in competitive situations
Complex game analysis and adaptation

Milestone Indicators

Uses tactics consistently during gameplay

Communicates strategy clearly to teammates

Makes fair, confident officiating decisions

Key Teaching Points

Tactics require clear communication and coordination between all team members
Effective officiating demands confidence, consistency, and fairness from student referees
Respect for officials is a crucial life skill that extends beyond sports
Tactical thinking involves understanding when and why to use different strategies
Teamwork in tactics means everyone has a role and responsibility
Good sportsmanship includes celebrating opponents' tactical success
Leadership can be shown through tactical coordination and supporting referees

Common Misconceptions

Tactics are only for advanced players - correction: all students can learn and apply basic tactical concepts
Winning is more important than trying tactics - correction: effort and learning matter more than game outcomes
Student referees should be perfect - correction: officiating is a learning skill that develops with practice and support
Only sporty students can be good officials - correction: officiating requires character and decision-making, not just physical ability
Complex tactics like Kamikaze should be used frequently - correction: risky tactics are only for specific desperate situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter tactical practice bursts, provide immediate feedback, allow movement during discussions, clear signals for attention

dyspraxia

Break tactical movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide additional physical support for complex movements, simplify officiating signals

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tactical learning, use visual tactic cards, allow processing time between tactical introductions, maintain consistent officiating expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of tactical demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for tactical discussions

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for tactical calls, provide written tactic cards, ensure visual contact during instructions

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and intensity, allow seated participation in tactical discussions, modify officiating role to suit abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication for tactical calls, listening skills during instructions, giving constructive feedback to teammates and officials

Maths

Counting players for Number Attack positioning, timing tactical calls, calculating bonus points and game scores

Science

Understanding forces in ball throwing, momentum in jumping for Kamikaze tactic, reaction times in defensive movements

PSHE

Leadership through officiating, respect for authority figures, teamwork and communication, handling disagreements respectfully

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around court perimeter to observe all teams, position centrally during tactical demonstrations, support student referees without undermining their authority

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding and application, monitor team communication quality, assess respectful behaviour towards officials, note leadership emergence

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, support struggling student referees discretely, mediate any disputes about tactical implementation, redirect focus to learning objectives if competition becomes too intense

Demonstration Notes

Model all tactics clearly before student attempts, emphasise safety in Kamikaze demonstrations, show confident officiating behaviour, demonstrate positive feedback giving to teams

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Remember to communicate with your team!'
•'Respect the referee's decision!'
•'Focus on trying the tactic, not just winning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball/netball court (minimum 15m x 27m) with clear boundaries and safe run-off areas

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface, free from water or debris, with adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use only soft foam dodgeballs appropriate for Year 3 age group
•Check all balls are properly inflated but not over-hard
•Ensure cones and boundary markers have no sharp edges
•Verify whistles are clean and in working condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head or face area
•Collisions between players during tactical movements
•Unsafe jumping during Kamikaze tactic attempts
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce throwing below shoulder height at all times
•Establish clear tactical communication to prevent collisions
•Supervise Kamikaze attempts closely with safe landing areas
•Ensure adequate spacing between teams during rotations
•Monitor for fatigue and provide rest breaks as needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all four court areas during rotations
•Pay special attention during Kamikaze tactic demonstrations
•Monitor student referees to ensure safe game management
•Watch for any signs of conflict or frustration during competitive play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aid coordinator if needed