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Lesson 4 - Team Strategy & Communication

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can effective communication and teamwork help us defend, attack, and make strategic decisions under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop defensive techniques using balls to block incoming throws
To understand and apply team communication strategies in game situations
To demonstrate tactical thinking when teams are at a numerical disadvantage

Key Outcomes

Students will use effective blocking techniques to defend themselves and teammates
Students will communicate clearly to coordinate team attacks and defences
Students will adapt their strategy when their team has fewer players remaining

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-16 balls

Distribute equally between courts, extras at sidelines

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for younger students

Coloured Bibs

8 bibs (4 per team)

Different colours for each team and special roles

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Markers Cones

8-12 cones

Mark two separate court areas for simultaneous games

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings

Stopwatch

For timing activities and doctor countdowns

Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock with seconds

Key Vocabulary

Blocking

Using a ball held in hands to deflect incoming throws

Doctor

Special role player who can 'revive' eliminated teammates

Communication

Clear verbal instructions to help teammates succeed

Strategy

Planning team actions to achieve the best outcome

Resuscitation

The process of bringing eliminated players back into the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and throwing techniques
Understanding of fair play and teamwork
Basic spatial awareness and movement skills

Current Skills

Using defensive blocking techniques
Team communication under pressure
Strategic thinking with role-based games

Next Steps

Advanced tournament-style dodgeball
Leadership roles in competitive situations
Complex multi-game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of blocking to protect self and others

Clear verbal communication during games

Evidence of tactical thinking and adaptation

Key Teaching Points

Team communication is essential for success in complex game situations
Strategic thinking must adapt when team composition changes
Different roles require different protective and tactical approaches
Effective blocking technique protects self and creates team advantages
Leadership emerges when teams face numerical disadvantages
Learning from mistakes is more important than perfect performance
Character-based games require constant strategic reassessment

Common Misconceptions

Believing that loudest communication is most effective - teach clear, specific instructions
Thinking that character roles are just fun additions - emphasise strategic importance
Assuming that being eliminated means game involvement ends - show continued team support
Believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - demonstrate team success patterns
Thinking that complex games are too difficult - break down into manageable strategic elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus and engagement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified character roles initially, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and rules

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, verbal descriptions of court layouts, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, written character role cards, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified throwing from seated position, adapted elimination rules, alternative roles as strategist or coach

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting systems (dodgeball counting), time awareness (30-second challenges), strategic probability in character selection

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing and blocking, reaction times, understanding leverage in defensive positions

Geography

Spatial awareness, tactical positioning, understanding zones and territories in game play

PSHE

Leadership skills, resilience when facing setbacks, emotional regulation under pressure, celebrating diversity in team roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two courts for maximum visibility and quick intervention

Observation Focus

Team communication quality, strategic thinking, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in when teams become frustrated, when safety is compromised, or when learning opportunities arise

Demonstration Notes

Use freeze moments during games to highlight excellent examples of teamwork and strategy

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to each other!'
•'Protect your key players!'
•'What's your strategy now?'
•'Great communication, Team Blue!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two separate court areas minimum 15m x 10m each, clear safety margins

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use only soft foam dodgeballs appropriate for age group
•Check bibs are secure but not too tight
•Ensure all equipment is in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players moving at speed
•Slips when players sit down quickly after elimination
•Overexcitement leading to inappropriate force in throws

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and separation between games
•Emphasis on controlled throws, not maximum power
•Immediate sitting when eliminated to prevent continued movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both courts simultaneously
•Monitor game intensity and player emotions
•Intervene if character roles create unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately on safety signal, assess injuries, first aid as required