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Lesson 5 - Tactical Dodgeball and Officiating

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can we use tactics and fair officiating to make dodgeball more strategic and enjoyable for everyone?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply tactical strategies in dodgeball games
To demonstrate effective officiating skills with confidence and fairness
To work collaboratively in different roles within game contexts

Key Outcomes

Students will execute at least 3 different tactical approaches during gameplay
Students will officiate a game using clear, confident communication
Students will demonstrate positive teamwork when implementing group strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

Place along centre line before each game

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for safety

Markers Cones

8-12 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and centre line

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Whistles

2-3 whistles

Available for student referees during officiated games

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Team bibs

15 bibs (two colours)

Clearly distinguish teams during gameplay

Alternative: House colours, no bibs with clear team divisions

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

Position for clear view of tactical executions

Alternative: Observation sheets, peer feedback forms

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain an advantage in games

Officiating

Acting as a referee to enforce rules and make fair decisions

Quick Start

Tactical move to gain early advantage by rapid ball collection and attack

Shield Defence

Using a ball to deflect incoming throws while protecting teammates

Number Attack

Coordinated assault where multiple players target the same opponent simultaneously

Fair Play

Playing honestly and respectfully, accepting referee decisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and gameplay
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of team cooperation

Current Skills

Tactical awareness and strategic thinking
Officiating skills and rule enforcement
Advanced teamwork and communication

Next Steps

Complex multi-sport tactical applications
Leadership roles in competitive games
Coaching and mentoring other students

Milestone Indicators

Student can explain when and why to use specific tactics

Student makes fair, consistent decisions when officiating

Student demonstrates leadership in tactical discussions

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking requires analysing game situation before choosing strategy
Effective officiating demands confidence, consistency, and clear communication
Teamwork in tactics means listening to all ideas and agreeing on approach
Respect for referees is essential for fair play and game enjoyment
Strategic thinking can be more important than physical skill in team games
Leadership skills develop through both tactical planning and officiating roles
Good sportsmanship means accepting decisions and supporting teammates

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Tactics are cheating' - Correction: Tactics are intelligent strategy within the rules
Misconception: 'Only the best players should be referees' - Correction: Everyone can develop officiating skills
Misconception: 'Kamikaze tactic should be used frequently' - Correction: It's a strategic last resort move
Misconception: 'Arguing with referees is part of the game' - Correction: Respect for officials is fundamental to sport
Misconception: 'Individual skill is more important than team tactics' - Correction: Teamwork and strategy often overcome individual ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter tactical practice periods, provide fidget ball during instruction time, offer active roles like equipment management between games

dyspraxia

Focus on 2-3 simpler tactics only, use larger target areas, pair with patient tactical partner, allow extra practice time for movement coordination

autism spectrum

Provide visual tactical charts, use clear routines for officiating roles, offer quiet break area if overwhelmed by competitive intensity

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of tactical positions, assign sighted partner for tactical planning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tactical calls, provide written tactical instruction cards, ensure referee faces player when making calls

physical disability

Adapt tactics for seated/limited mobility play, modify court size for accessibility, allow rolling instead of throwing where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during tactical calls, vocabulary development through tactical terminology, listening skills during rule explanations

Maths

Angles and trajectories in tactical throwing, timing and coordination in synchronized attacks, probability in tactical success rates

Science

Forces and motion in throwing techniques, team dynamics and communication systems, reaction times in dodging and catching

PSHE

Leadership through officiating, respect for authority and rules, conflict resolution during disputes, personal responsibility in team tactics

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all courts during multi-game phases. Move between student referees during officiating section.

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, officiating confidence, sportsmanship, and collaborative problem-solving during team discussions.

Intervention Points

Step in if tactical discussions become heated, support nervous student referees, ensure safety during dynamic tactical movements.

Demonstration Notes

Model confident officiating voice and neutral stance. Demonstrate tactical movements with clear safety guidelines. Show positive reactions to referee decisions.

Verbal Cues

•'Think tactically - what does the game situation tell you?'
•'Referees, confident voice and clear signals!'
•'Remember - respect the referee's decision!'
•'Communicate with your team - tactics work best together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m court area with 3m clearance on all sides

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Foam balls checked for damage and appropriate softness
•Court boundaries clearly marked with safe, visible markers
•Whistles clean and functioning properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face during intense tactical gameplay
•Collisions during dynamic tactical movements like Kamikaze
•Disputes during student officiating leading to confrontation

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled throwing - accuracy over power
•Clear boundaries and rules for Kamikaze tactic execution
•Teacher supervision of student referees with intervention protocols

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all tactical executions
•Monitor student referees for support and safety management
•Watch for over-competitive behaviour during officiated games

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury. Student referees taught to blow whistle and call teacher for any safety concerns.