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Lesson 6 - Dodgeball Competition Play

Game Intelligence Training

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Year 4

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can we use teamwork and tactics to succeed in competitive dodgeball while showing school games values?

Learning Objectives

Make good tactical decisions at crucial moments during competitive games
Compete with passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Demonstrate understanding and interpretation of rules whilst accepting decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will compete effectively using tactical awareness in tournament-style dodgeball
Students will demonstrate all school games values consistently during competition
Students will show excellent understanding of rules and respect for officials

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

8-12 balls

Equal numbers of balls on each side of court at start

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags

Markers Cones

20 cones

Mark two courts clearly with centre line and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape

Coloured Bibs

25 bibs (5 colours)

Each team wears same colour for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards

Whistles

5 whistles

One whistle per refereeing team

Alternative: Hand signals only

Score Sheets

4 different coloured cones

Place in corners for final assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured mats, chalk circles

Digital Cameras

For recording feedback and assessment evidence

Alternative: Notebook for written observations

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage during games

School Games Values

Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork

Tournament

A series of competitive games between multiple teams

Referee

The person who ensures rules are followed and makes fair decisions

Evaluation

Thinking about performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball throwing, catching and dodging techniques
Understanding of basic dodgeball rules
Experience working in teams
Basic tactical awareness

Current Skills

Making tactical decisions under competitive pressure
Demonstrating school games values in competitive situations
Understanding and applying complex rules
Self and peer evaluation skills

Next Steps

Advanced tournament strategy and leadership
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Cross-curricular links with other invasion games
Community sports participation

Milestone Indicators

Student makes at least 2 clear tactical decisions that benefit their team

Student demonstrates 3+ school games values consistently

Student shows understanding of rules through accurate refereeing

Key Teaching Points

Tournament competition requires higher standards of school games values than practice sessions
Tactical decisions made as a team are more effective than individual choices under pressure
Understanding and respecting rules is as important as physical skills in competitive sport
Refereeing teaches rule application and develops leadership skills
Evaluation and feedback skills are essential for continuous improvement in sport
Competition provides opportunities to demonstrate character alongside physical ability
Community links help students continue sports participation beyond school

Common Misconceptions

Competition means school games values become less important - actually they become more crucial
Winning games is the most important outcome - development and values demonstration matter more
Referees are just there to enforce rules - they're learning leadership and decision-making skills
Tactics are only for advanced players - all students can make tactical contributions to team success
Tournament pressure justifies lower standards of behaviour - higher standards are expected under pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear specific roles during games, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between intense games

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced court size, extra practice time for throwing techniques

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, consistent routine between games, quiet area available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide audio descriptions of tactical discussions, buddy system for court positioning

hearing impairment

Visual refereeing signals, written tournament format display, demonstrate tactical discussions through actions

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated throwing options, alternative roles such as tactical advisor or scorekeeper

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through evaluation discussions, verbal feedback skills, listening to peer assessments

Maths

Tournament scoring, game statistics, time management during rotations, calculating win percentages

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, reaction times in dodging, energy systems during tournament play

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding tournament formats used globally

PSHE

Teamwork and leadership, managing competitive emotions, respect for others, honesty and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally between two courts to observe both games simultaneously, move to specific courts when detailed observation needed

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, school games values demonstration, rule understanding, and refereeing quality

Intervention Points

Step in if rules being ignored, safety compromised, or negative behaviour affecting tournament atmosphere

Demonstration Notes

During games, point out specific examples of good tactical decisions, school games values, and fair refereeing to reinforce learning

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical communication!'
•'Remember below shoulder throws!'
•'Excellent school games values Team 3!'
•'Referees, confident decisions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 30m for two courts

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs only - check for appropriate inflation
•Cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible
•Court boundaries clearly marked to prevent collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during fast-paced games
•Inappropriate throwing above shoulder height
•Fatigue affecting concentration and safety during tournament
•Competitive pressure leading to dangerous play

Risk Mitigation

•Continuous reinforcement of below-shoulder throwing rule
•Adequate rest periods between games in rotation
•Teacher positioned to observe all courts simultaneously
•Referees briefed on safety responsibilities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between two courts for maximum visibility
•Monitor throwing techniques especially during intense competition
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration affecting behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and controlled