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Lesson 4 - Tactical Team Play

Tactical Awareness in Team Play

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Year 3

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use tactics and teamwork to succeed when facing multiple opponents?

Learning Objectives

Develop peripheral awareness in multi-directional game situations
Adapt quickly to changing rules and game scenarios
Evaluate and improve team performance through reflection and planning

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness when facing threats from multiple directions
Students will show quick adaptation to new game rules and character-based modifications
Students will evaluate their team's performance and suggest tactical improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-16 balls

Distributed in centre of playing areas

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safety

Coloured Bibs

8-12 bibs (2-3 of each colour)

Used to identify teams and special character roles

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured balls for teams

Cones

12 cones

Mark out corners and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, existing court markings

Team bibs

4-6 special bibs

Distinct from team colours to identify special roles

Alternative: Different coloured headbands, special markers

PE Equipment

1 device

For filming action and reviewing with students

Alternative: Observation sheets for recording

Key Vocabulary

Peripheral awareness

Being aware of what is happening around you, not just in front

Tactical adaptation

Changing your strategy or approach when the situation changes

Team evaluation

Looking at how well your team performed and thinking about improvements

Multi-directional

Coming from many different directions at the same time

Character roles

Special abilities or rules that certain players have in the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and throwing techniques
Simple catching and dodging skills
Understanding of attack and defence concepts

Current Skills

Multi-directional awareness and reaction
Tactical adaptation to rule changes
Team evaluation and improvement strategies

Next Steps

Advanced team formations and strategies
Leadership roles in competitive games
Creating and modifying game rules independently

Milestone Indicators

Consistent peripheral vision use during multi-team games

Quick tactical adjustments when new characters are introduced

Effective team communication and strategy planning

Key Teaching Points

Peripheral awareness is crucial - teach students to scan all directions constantly, not just focus on the ball in front of them
Character powers fundamentally change tactics - ensure students understand implications before making selections
Team evaluation requires specific observation skills - model what to look for and how to suggest improvements
Quick adaptation to rule changes demonstrates tactical intelligence - celebrate flexible thinking over rigid strategies
Doctor protection requires team coordination - emphasise communication and positioning over individual heroics
Territory control in 4-corner games introduces strategic depth - help students understand space as a tactical resource
Creative character design should maintain game balance - guide students to consider counters and limitations

Common Misconceptions

Belief that the strongest thrower should always be the doctor - explain tactical thinking includes role suitability
Thinking character powers make certain victory guaranteed - emphasise that tactics and teamwork still matter most
Assuming peripheral awareness means spinning constantly - teach focused scanning and situational awareness
Believing team evaluation means only criticising mistakes - model positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions
Thinking rule adaptations are just extra complications - help students see them as tactical opportunities
Assuming territory conquest means immediately rushing to new space - teach strategic timing and positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break character introductions into shorter segments, provide movement breaks between tactical discussions, use kinesthetic character demonstrations

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, provide extra time for tactical planning, offer simplified character power options

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine for character introductions, offer quiet reflection time, use visual character power cards for reference

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of character positions and movements, assign sighted buddy for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for character powers, provide written character descriptions, use hand signals for tactical communication

physical disability

Modify throwing distances and court sizes, allow seated play positions, adapt character powers for different movement abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in tactical discussion, creative language in character design, evaluation and reflection vocabulary development

Maths

Counting systems for doctor revival, strategic probability in character selection, spatial geometry in court positioning and angles

Science

Physics of ball trajectory and force, reaction times in multi-directional threats, biomechanics of throwing and dodging movements

Geography

Spatial awareness and orientation, territory concepts and control, mapping movement patterns and tactical positioning

PSHE

Leadership development through tactical planning, resilience when strategies don't work, collaboration in team evaluation and improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during different activities, stand at corner positions for optimal viewing during 4-corner games, central position during character demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for peripheral awareness development, note tactical communication patterns, monitor adaptation to rule changes, assess team evaluation quality

Intervention Points

Step in if tactical discussions become overly competitive, guide character selection for balance, support struggling teams with tactical prompts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show peripheral awareness, act out character powers dramatically for engagement, model tactical thinking processes clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Check all directions!'
•'What's your team strategy?'
•'How can you protect your character?'
•'What worked well there?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m with clear boundaries, sufficient space for two separate courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate clearance from walls and equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs only - no hard balls permitted
•Check ball inflation levels are appropriate for safe play
•Ensure bibs and markers have no sharp edges or choking hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head and face area
•Collisions during multi-directional movement
•Trips and falls during tactical movements
•Emotional pressure from competitive character games

Risk Mitigation

•Controlled throwing technique emphasised throughout
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing maintained
•Progressive complexity building from simple to advanced
•Regular checks on emotional wellbeing during competition
•Emphasis on fun and learning over winning

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of both courts simultaneously
•Monitor character game intensity and emotional responses
•Watch for unsafe throwing or movement patterns
•Ensure doctor revival process maintains safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained, appropriate response for ball impacts to head area