Lesson 6 - Tournament Tactics
Tactical Awareness in Team Play
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
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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
6-8 balls per court, extras nearby for quick replacement
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for safety
Mark two courts clearly with centre lines and boundaries
Alternative: Tape lines, chalk markings
Different colour for each team, easily visible
Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts
For filming feedback sessions and assessment evidence
Alternative: Smartphone, video camera
Used for self-assessment activity at lesson end
Alternative: Coloured hoops, mats
Ready to distribute at lesson conclusion
Alternative: House points, achievement badges
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage during games
Having confidence in your own abilities and decisions
Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement
Reflecting on performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement
Continuing to try your best even when facing challenges
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
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