Lesson 8 - Tournament Application and Tactics
Fair Play to Tournament Skills
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
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How can we apply our dodgeball skills and tactics in a tournament setting while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship?
Learning Objectives
- To apply skills, rules and tactics to a dodgeball tournament
- To demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship throughout competitive games
- To evaluate own and others' performance and suggest improvements
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply tactical understanding in tournament games
- Students will demonstrate honesty, fair play and good sportsmanship
- Students will reflect on performance and identify areas for improvement
Equipment & Resources Required
Used to mark multiple court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for court boundaries
Check balls are appropriately inflated and safe
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags for lower ability
Laminated copies for easy reference
Alternative: Simplified rules poster
Pre-prepared with team names and match fixtures
Alternative: Digital scoring app, whiteboard
One per court for game management
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
A competitive series of games where teams play multiple matches
Planned strategies used to gain an advantage in games
Playing honestly and respectfully, following rules and showing good sportsmanship
A ball that has been thrown but not yet bounced or been caught
A person who ensures rules are followed and makes decisions during games
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dodgeball throwing and catching techniques
- Understanding of dodgeball rules and safety
- Experience of working in teams
Current Skills
- Applying tactics in competitive situations
- Demonstrating sportsmanship under pressure
- Self-assessment and peer evaluation
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play in invasion games
- Leadership roles in competitive activities
- Officiating and coaching others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Character development is as important as winning in competitive activities
- Honest self-officiating builds integrity and respect for rules
- Tactical awareness develops through experience and reflection
- Teams succeed through cooperation, communication and mutual support
- Good sportsmanship includes gracious winning and resilient losing
- Fair play creates a positive environment for everyone to succeed
- Reflection helps students learn from experience and improve future performance
Common Misconceptions
- Winning is more important than character - emphasise that both are valued equally
- Only the most skilled players contribute to team success - highlight diverse contributions
- Competitive games can't be fun if you're losing - show how good character makes games enjoyable
- Referees always see everything - teach importance of honest self-officiating
- Tactics are too complex for primary students - break down into simple, achievable strategies
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short game segments, clear boundaries, regular movement opportunities, specific roles (referee) for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls, simplified rules initially, extra practice time, peer support system
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual tournament bracket, quiet area available if needed, predictable game format
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual referee signals, written rules cards, clear gestures for communication
physical disability
- Modified throwing distances, lighter/softer balls, seated throwing variations, adapted court sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication with teammates, explaining tactics, reflective discussion and vocabulary development
Science
Forces in throwing, angles and trajectories, reaction times and decision making
PSHE
Character development, resilience under pressure, teamwork, respect for others, emotional regulation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between two courts to observe all students, support referees when needed
Observation Focus
Character demonstration, tactical application, safety, and fair play throughout
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, support referee decisions, coach tactical development
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent sportsmanship, show tactical examples, demonstrate referee signals clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Great honesty!' when students self-officiate well
- •'Excellent teamwork!' for good cooperation
- •'Think tactics!' to encourage strategic play
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Two separate courts, minimum 15m x 10m each, clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from obstacles, adequate non-slip flooring
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are appropriate firmness - not too hard
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify whistles are clean and functioning
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face/head area
- •Collisions between players during intense gameplay
- •Slips and falls on court surface
- •Emotional reactions to competitive pressure
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about hitting below shoulders only
- •Adequate spacing between courts to prevent interference
- •Strong emphasis on fair play and controlled throwing
- •Emotional support and positive atmosphere throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position between courts for maximum visibility of both games
- •Monitor competitive intensity and emotional responses
- •Support referees in maintaining safe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any safety concerns, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, resume only when safe