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Lesson 5 - Tactical Play and Officiating

Striking & Fielding Basics

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Year 5

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Danish Longball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and fair officiating to make games more strategic and enjoyable?

Learning Objectives

To apply tactical strategies effectively during gameplay
To demonstrate fair and effective officiating skills
To work collaboratively as a team to implement agreed tactics

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute at least two different tactical plays during gameplay
Students will officiate a game with confidence and fairness
Students will demonstrate improved teamwork through tactical communication

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

11 balls

Placed at centre line for game starts

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safer play

Cones

20 cones

Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Whistles

7 whistles

One per officiating pair, attached to lanyards

Alternative: Hand clapping, verbal calls

Team bibs

30 bibs (numbered 1-15 for each team)

Distributed before warm-up for easy officiating rotation

Alternative: Sticky number labels, team colours only

Video Device

1 per student

Positioned for clear view of tactical play

Alternative: Observation sheets for written assessment

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain an advantage during gameplay

Officiating

Acting as a referee or umpire to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Strategic Thinking

Planning ahead and making decisions based on game situations

Team Communication

Clear, quick sharing of information between teammates during gameplay

Rule Enforcement

Fairly applying game rules to ensure safe and enjoyable play for all

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic Danish Longball rules and gameplay
Understanding of team positions and ball handling
Experience with competitive games and turn-taking

Current Skills

Tactical thinking and strategic planning
Officiating and rule enforcement
Advanced teamwork and communication

Next Steps

Creating original team tactics
Leading tactical training sessions
Coaching and mentoring other teams

Milestone Indicators

Can execute planned tactics under pressure

Makes fair, confident officiating decisions

Demonstrates leadership in tactical discussions

Key Teaching Points

Tactical success requires planning, communication, and perfect timing between teammates
Effective officiating builds on five key qualities: loud, clear, confident, consistent, and fair decision-making
Strategic thinking involves choosing the right tactic for the right moment in the game
Respect for officials and their decisions is essential for enjoyable and fair gameplay
Team communication during tactical play must be specific and strategic, not just emotional
Self-assessment of teamwork and officiating helps develop reflection and improvement skills
Both achievement (trying new things) and attainment (mastering skills) deserve recognition and celebration

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Tactics are just tricks' - Correction: Tactics require strategic thinking and teamwork
Misconception: 'Officials should help their own team' - Correction: Neutrality and fairness are essential for credible officiating
Misconception: 'Loudest communication is best' - Correction: Clear, specific tactical communication is more effective than volume
Misconception: 'Complex tactics are always better' - Correction: Simple, well-executed tactics often work better than complex ones
Misconception: 'Arguing with officials is acceptable' - Correction: Respectful questioning and acceptance of decisions builds better sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical instruction into shorter segments, provide physical movement between explanations, use clear visual focus points

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical movements initially, provide additional practice time, pair with supportive partners for tactical execution

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tactical rotations, use visual tactical cards, allow quiet breaks if overstimulated by competitive atmosphere

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of tactical demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tactical calls, provide written tactical instructions, ensure officials face hearing-impaired students when speaking

physical disability

Adapt tactics for seated or limited mobility players, modify throwing distances, ensure wheelchair accessible court positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in tactical discussions, vocabulary development with strategic terms, explaining tactical decisions clearly

Maths

Counting in multiples during warm-up, calculating tactical success rates, timing games precisely, statistical analysis of tactical effectiveness

Science

Forces and motion in tactical ball throws, physics of jumping tactics, biomechanics of effective throwing techniques

Geography

Spatial awareness for tactical positioning, understanding angles of attack, mapping court space effectively

PSHE

Leadership development through officiating, respect for authority figures, teamwork in tactical planning, resilience when tactics fail

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two courts for maximum visibility of tactical play and officiating quality

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical communication, fair officiating decisions, strategic adaptation under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics become unsafe, support nervous officials, redirect overly competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All tactical moves slowly first for safety, show confident officiating body language, model respectful communication with officials

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical communication!'
•'Remember - fair decisions for both teams!'
•'Think strategically - when is the best time for that tactic?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two full courts minimum 15m x 30m each, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for jumping tactics

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls only - check for damage before use
•Whistles attached to lanyards to prevent loss
•Cones positioned safely away from game play
•Numbered bibs secured properly to prevent entanglement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tactical rushes
•Falls from jumping tactics (Kamikaze)
•Ball strikes during intensive tactical play
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Safe landing zones demonstrated for jumping tactics
•Progressive tactical introduction before full-speed implementation
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Student officials positioned safely outside play zones

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both courts simultaneously
•Focus on tactical implementation areas for collision risks
•Monitor official positioning and safety
•Watch for signs of overexertion during competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required