Lesson 6 - Tactical Decision Making
Striking & Fielding Basics
•Year 5
•Danish Longball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I make smart tactical decisions to help my team succeed in competition?
Learning Objectives
- Choose the right moment to attack and defend in competitive situations
- Compete against others effectively using appropriate tactics
- Demonstrate understanding of rules and accept decisions gracefully
Key Outcomes
- Students will make tactical decisions about when to attack and defend
- Students will compete fairly and effectively against other teams
- Students will show good sportsmanship and rule understanding
Equipment & Resources Required
Divide equally between two courts, extras at side for quick replacement
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls
Mark two clear dodgeball courts with centre lines and boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings
Place in different areas for final self-assessment activity
Alternative: Different coloured bibs, markers, zones
Position for clear view of game action and student interactions
Alternative: Phone camera, written observation notes
Key Vocabulary
Planned methods and strategies used to gain advantage in games
Acting as referee to ensure fair play and rule following
Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and accepting decisions gracefully
Carefully considering performance to identify strengths and improvements
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dodgeball rules and techniques
- Understanding of attack and defence concepts
- Experience working in team situations
Current Skills
- Tactical decision making in competitive situations
- Advanced competitive play and sportsmanship
- Self and peer evaluation skills
Next Steps
- Leading tactical discussions in other sports
- Officiating and leadership roles
- Advanced strategic thinking across multiple sports
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical decision making - encourage students to think before acting
- Sportsmanship under pressure - model and celebrate excellent behaviour
- Officiating confidence - support referees and build their authority
- Self-assessment skills - encourage honest reflection on performance
- Team evaluation - focus on constructive feedback and improvement
- School games values - connect performance to character development
- Safety through controlled throwing - soft, accurate throws below shoulders
Common Misconceptions
- Winning is more important than fair play - emphasise values over results
- Hard throws are more effective - teach accuracy and placement over power
- Arguing with referees improves decisions - model respect for officials
- Individual skill matters more than teamwork - highlight tactical cooperation
- Competition means being unfriendly to opponents - celebrate good sportsmanship
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Provide clear boundaries and frequent position changes, use high-energy activities constructively, give specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls, reduce court size for better success, provide extra practice time, focus on effort over accuracy
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet observation role as alternative to playing, give advance notice of any rule changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for game start/stop, ensure referee signals are highly visible, provide written rule reminders
physical disability
- Adapt rules for wheelchair users or reduced mobility, provide alternative roles like statistics tracking, modify throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills through team discussion, expressing opinions clearly during reflection, listening skills during feedback
Maths
Tournament scoring systems, calculating win/loss ratios, timing games, statistical analysis of team performance
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and dodging, reaction times, effects of exercise on body systems
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, respect for others, managing emotions under pressure, leadership development, fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position centrally between two courts for maximum visibility, move actively to monitor different games closely
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical development, sportsmanship, officiating confidence, and safety compliance throughout
Intervention Points
Step in if safety compromised, officiating disputes arise, or students need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent sportsmanship throughout, celebrate good examples immediately, show clear referee signals when supporting officials
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft throws - accuracy over power!'
- •'Spread out - use your space tactically!'
- •'Great decision making!'
- •'Respect the referee!'
- •'Show me those school games values!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor space with room for two dodgeball courts, minimum 25m x 15m
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate footwear for surface type
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are soft foam and appropriate size
- •Ensure court boundaries are clearly marked and safe
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during fast-paced games
- •Being hit by ball above shoulder height
- •Slips and falls on court surface
- •Emotional reactions to competitive pressure
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce soft throwing rule consistently throughout lesson
- •Maintain clear court boundaries and adequate space between courts
- •Regular monitoring of throw force and target areas
- •Emotional support for students struggling with competition
- •Immediate stoppage if safety concerns arise
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of both courts simultaneously
- •Move between courts to monitor different games closely
- •Pay particular attention to referee interactions and decisions
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, follow school emergency protocols