Lesson 5 - Tactical Attacking and Defending
Game Intelligence Training
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Place balls along centre line, equal spacing
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls (for younger students)
Distribute before lesson to identify teams clearly
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands
Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Visible to all participants for timed games
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock
Ensure students know whistle signals before officiating
Alternative: Hand signals, voice commands
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage in a game
Making quick, confident decisions when throwing to eliminate opponents
Using teamwork and positioning to protect your team from elimination
Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and enforce rules
Tactic to gain early advantage by rapid ball collection and throwing
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
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