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Lesson 6 - Tactical Decision Making

Striking & Fielding Basics

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Year 5

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Danish Longball

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Big Question

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

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

Divide equally between two courts, extras at side for quick replacement

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

Markers Cones

20 cones

Mark two clear dodgeball courts with centre lines and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Place in different areas for final self-assessment activity

Alternative: Different coloured bibs, markers, zones

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

Position for clear view of game action and student interactions

Alternative: Phone camera, written observation notes

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned methods and strategies used to gain advantage in games

Officiating

Acting as referee to ensure fair play and rule following

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and accepting decisions gracefully

Evaluation

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

Makes appropriate tactical choices consistently

Shows respect for rules and officials

Can evaluate own and others' performance constructively

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