Lesson 5 - Tactical Dodgeball and Officiating
Tactical Awareness in Team Play
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
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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
Placed along centre line before each game
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Distinguish teams clearly for all participants
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
For game start/stop and officiating practice
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
To capture gameplay for assessment purposes
Alternative: Observation sheets
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage in the game
A fast-paced tactic to eliminate an opponent early in the game
Using a ball to deflect incoming throws while protecting teammates
Coordinated simultaneous throws at a designated target
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
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