Lesson 4 - Team Strategy & Communication
Individual Skills to Team Tactics
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
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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
Distribute equally between courts, extras at sidelines
Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for younger students
Different colours for each team and special roles
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Mark two separate court areas for simultaneous games
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings
For timing activities and doctor countdowns
Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock with seconds
Key Vocabulary
Using a ball held in hands to deflect incoming throws
Special role player who can 'revive' eliminated teammates
Clear verbal instructions to help teammates succeed
Planning team actions to achieve the best outcome
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
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