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Lesson 6 - Tournament Tactics

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 combine tactical thinking with the School Games Values to become excellent dodgeball competitors?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate tactical awareness and decision-making during competitive dodgeball games
To apply School Games Values consistently throughout competition
To officiate games fairly and demonstrate understanding of rules

Key Outcomes

Students will make effective tactical decisions under pressure during competitive play
Students will demonstrate passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Students will show understanding of rules through fair play and officiating

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

6-8 balls per court, extras nearby for quick replacement

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for safety

Markers Cones

20 cones

Mark two courts clearly with centre lines and boundaries

Alternative: Tape lines, chalk markings

Team bibs

30 bibs (6 different colours)

Different colour for each team, easily visible

Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For filming feedback sessions and assessment evidence

Alternative: Smartphone, video camera

Assessment Coloured Cones

4 different coloured cones

Used for self-assessment activity at lesson end

Alternative: Coloured hoops, mats

Certificates

30 rewards

Ready to distribute at lesson conclusion

Alternative: House points, achievement badges

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage during games

Self-belief

Having confidence in your own abilities and decisions

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Evaluation

Reflecting on performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Determination

Continuing to try your best even when facing challenges

Competitive pressure

The stress and excitement felt during important game moments

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can throw, catch and dodge with increasing accuracy
Students understand basic dodgeball rules and gameplay
Students can work cooperatively in team situations

Current Skills

Making tactical decisions under pressure
Applying School Games Values during competition
Understanding and interpreting rules fairly

Next Steps

Transfer tactical skills to other net and wall games
Apply School Games Values across all sports
Develop leadership skills in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Students make split-second tactical decisions effectively

Consistent demonstration of all six School Games Values

Fair and accurate officiating throughout games

Key Teaching Points

Tournament pressure reveals true character - celebrate students who maintain School Games Values
Tactical decision-making under pressure is a life skill that transfers beyond sport
Quality officiating requires confidence, fairness and respect from all participants
Peer feedback and evaluation develop critical thinking and communication skills
Self-assessment accuracy shows maturity and supports future learning planning
Every role in sport (player, official, supporter) requires different skills and deserves respect
Competition should enhance learning and character development, not overshadow it

Common Misconceptions

Winning is the only measure of success - emphasise effort, values and improvement
Referee decisions are personal attacks - teach respect for officiating as a skill
Only the strongest/fastest students can be successful - highlight tactical thinking and teamwork
Competitive pressure excuses poor behaviour - maintain high expectations throughout
Team tactics are too complex for Year 3 - students can understand and apply simple strategies
Self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest reflection for growth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent active breaks, clear role definitions, regular positive reinforcement and focus reminders

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified tactical instructions, extra practice time for rule understanding

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explanation, visual schedule of games, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal instructions, buddy system for court positioning

hearing impairment

Visual signals for all instructions, written tactical cards, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated play options, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during tactical discussions, presenting feedback clearly and confidently

Maths

Tournament structure and scheduling, timing games, scoring systems and statistics

Science

Understanding force and motion in throwing and dodging, reaction times under pressure

Geography

Understanding spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court areas and tactical zones

PSHE

Competition pressure management, respect for authority figures, team cooperation and conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between both courts for maximum visibility, move closer to observe specific interactions

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, School Games Values demonstration, officiating quality, competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

["Step in if School Games Values are not being demonstrated", "Support referee decisions and ensure respect for officials", "Address any unsafe or inappropriate competitive behaviour", "Provide tactical prompts if teams are struggling"]

Demonstration Notes

Model respectful competitive behaviour, show how to give constructive feedback, demonstrate confidence in decision-making

Verbal Cues

•'Spread out and communicate!'
•'Show me those School Games Values!'
•'Referees, make those decisions with confidence!'
•'What's your team tactic here?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area, minimum 40m x 20m for two courts plus waiting areas

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam balls only - no hard balls
•Check balls are in good condition with no damage
•Ensure adequate ball storage during games
•Court boundaries clearly marked and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts causing injury
•Collisions during competitive play
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Overexertion during tournament competition

Risk Mitigation

•Use only soft, safe balls appropriate for Year 3
•Clear boundaries and court separation
•Regular breaks between games for all teams
•Continuous supervision of competitive play
•Immediate addressing of unsafe play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both courts simultaneously
•Monitor intensity levels throughout tournament
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure referee decisions maintain safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required