Lesson 5 - Tactical Dodgeball and Officiating
Individual Skills to Team Tactics
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Place along centre line before each game
Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for safety
Mark clear court boundaries and centre line
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers
Available for student referees during officiated games
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Clearly distinguish teams during gameplay
Alternative: House colours, no bibs with clear team divisions
Position for clear view of tactical executions
Alternative: Observation sheets, peer feedback forms
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used to gain an advantage in games
Acting as a referee to enforce rules and make fair decisions
Tactical move to gain early advantage by rapid ball collection and attack
Using a ball to deflect incoming throws while protecting teammates
Coordinated assault where multiple players target the same opponent simultaneously
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
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.