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Lesson 5 - Tactical Attacking and Defending

Game Intelligence Training

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Year 4

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Dodgeball

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1h 14min

Big Question

How can we work together to create and execute winning tactics in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

To attack decisively using planned tactics in dodgeball
To defend skilfully as a team using appropriate strategies
To work alongside others to agree and implement tactics effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate decisive attacking techniques in game situations
Students will show skilful defensive teamwork using various tactics
Students will collaborate effectively to plan and execute team strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

Place balls along centre line, equal spacing

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls (for younger students)

Coloured Bibs

30 (multiple colours for team identification)

Distribute before lesson to identify teams clearly

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Cones

8-12 cones

Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Stopwatch

Visible to all participants for timed games

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Whistles

1 per referee

Ensure students know whistle signals before officiating

Alternative: Hand signals, voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage in a game

Decisive attacking

Making quick, confident decisions when throwing to eliminate opponents

Skilful defending

Using teamwork and positioning to protect your team from elimination

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and enforce rules

Quick Start

Tactic to gain early advantage by rapid ball collection and throwing

Number Attack

Coordinated assault where multiple players target one opponent simultaneously

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and safety procedures
Simple throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of team positions and boundaries

Current Skills

Decisive attacking using tactical approaches
Skilful defensive teamwork and positioning
Collaborative tactical planning and communication

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and counter-strategies
Leadership roles in organising team tactics
Officiating and coaching others in tactical play

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain when to use specific tactics

Teams show coordinated attacking and defensive movements

Students demonstrate fair play and respect for officials

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking is as important as individual skill in team sports
Good officiating requires confidence, consistency, and clear communication
Teamwork means making decisions together and supporting each other's efforts
Respect for officials and opponents builds character and improves the game for everyone
Learning from both success and failure helps develop better tactical understanding
Communication before, during, and after games is essential for tactical success
Sportsmanship and effort matter more than winning individual games

Common Misconceptions

Believing that tactics are too advanced for Year 4 students - they can understand and apply complex strategies with proper teaching
Thinking that winning games is more important than learning tactical concepts and teamwork
Assuming that students cannot referee fairly - with training and support they can develop excellent officiating skills
Believing that competitive games always lead to poor behaviour - proper structure and emphasis on character prevents this
Thinking that tactics restrict creativity - good tactics actually provide framework for creative play
Assuming that all students must be equally good at all tactics - different students can specialise and contribute in different ways

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter tactical discussions with movement breaks, clear role assignments, frequent positive reinforcement for focus and teamwork

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, additional practice time for tactical concepts, simplified tactical options initially

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual tactical guides, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routine for game transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and high-contrast bibs, provide audio cues for tactical changes, buddy system for court positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tactical calls, written tactical instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for reading lips and gestures

physical disability

Adapted throwing techniques from seated position, modified court size, alternative roles such as tactical advisor or specialist referee

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical discussion and communication, giving constructive feedback, developing vocabulary for describing tactics and teamwork

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and deflecting balls, body systems response to exercise, physics of trajectory and movement

Mathematics

Counting and calculating bonus points, spatial awareness in tactical positioning, timing and measurement in game duration

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, respect for authority figures (referees), managing emotions in competitive situations, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between court areas to observe tactical discussions, game play, and officiating

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, teamwork quality, and character development through sport

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, poor sportsmanship, or to clarify tactical concepts

Demonstration Notes

Model tactical concepts clearly, demonstrate respect for student officials, show enthusiasm for both successful and attempted tactical play

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your team about tactics!'
•'Show respect for the referee!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'How can you work together better?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m court area with clear boundaries and centre line

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs only - no hard balls
•Check balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Ensure bibs/bands are secure and not causing restriction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head/face area
•Collisions during rapid movement and tactical plays
•Overexertion during competitive games
•Emotional distress from elimination or tactical failure

Risk Mitigation

•Strict rule: throws must be below shoulder height
•Clear boundaries to prevent collisions with walls/equipment
•Regular breaks and rotation to prevent fatigue
•Emphasis on learning and effort over winning
•Immediate praise for good sportsmanship and effort

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight of all playing areas
•Monitor for signs of frustration or poor sportsmanship
•Watch for fatigue and emotional responses to competition

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any safety concern, assess injury/situation, apply appropriate first aid or emotional support