Lesson 6 - Dodgeball Competition Play
Game Intelligence Training
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Equal numbers of balls on each side of court at start
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Mark two courts clearly with centre line and boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape
Each team wears same colour for easy identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards
One whistle per refereeing team
Alternative: Hand signals only
Place in corners for final assessment activity
Alternative: Coloured mats, chalk circles
For recording feedback and assessment evidence
Alternative: Notebook for written observations
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage during games
Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
A series of competitive games between multiple teams
The person who ensures rules are followed and makes fair decisions
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
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