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Lesson 6 - Tactical Applications in Dodgeball

Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use different tactics to outwit our opponents and succeed as a team in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

To select and apply a variety of tactics effectively in game situations
To communicate tactical decisions clearly with teammates
To evaluate the effectiveness of different tactical approaches

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate multiple tactical approaches during gameplay
Students will work collaboratively to implement team strategies
Students will assess and adapt their tactical choices based on game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

15 (3 per game)

Place 3 balls on centre line for each game area

Alternative: Foam balls, rubber playground balls

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and centre line

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, tape

Clues Document

Display prominently for reference during games

Alternative: Laminated rule cards, whiteboard summary

Team bibs

10 (5 per team)

Distinguish teams clearly for tactical planning

Alternative: Different coloured bands, numbered vests

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain an advantage over opponents in a game

Live ball

A ball that is in play and can get players out if it hits them

Coordination

Working together as a team to execute planned tactics

Positioning

Where players place themselves on the court for tactical advantage

Communication

Using signals or codes to share tactical information with teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and safety procedures
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of court positioning and movement

Current Skills

Strategic positioning and timing
Tactical communication and teamwork
Advanced throwing techniques for tactical advantage

Next Steps

Tournament-style dodgeball with complex strategies
Leadership roles in coaching team tactics
Analysis of professional dodgeball gameplay

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies multiple tactics within a single game

Effectively communicates tactical adjustments to teammates

Demonstrates understanding through coaching others

Key Teaching Points

Tactics require teamwork and communication to be effective
Positioning and timing are more important than throwing power
Teams must be flexible and adapt tactics based on game situations
Good communication includes both planning and real-time coordination
Different tactics work better against different opponents
Successful tactics combine individual skills with team strategy
Reflection and adaptation make teams stronger tactically

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that individual skill is more important than team tactics
Believing that throwing harder always makes tactics more effective
Assuming that one tactic will work in all game situations
Thinking that tactics are too complicated for their age group
Believing that communication signals give away tactics to opponents
Assuming that only the strongest players can use tactical approaches

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical learning into shorter segments, provide clear role assignments, use movement breaks between instruction

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical movements, provide extra practice time, use step-by-step tactical cards

autism spectrum

Provide clear tactical structure, use visual tactic cards, allow processing time between games

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal cues for tactical positions, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for tactics, provide written tactical cards, ensure visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, allow seated play positions, adapt tactics to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Spatial geometry in court positioning, probability in tactical success rates, data analysis of tactic effectiveness

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectories, reaction time and coordination, physics of throwing angles

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court areas and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership skills, team cooperation, communication under pressure, resilience when tactics don't work

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally between courts for maximum visibility, move to specific courts when providing tactical coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, team communication effectiveness, and safe throwing techniques

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics become unclear, if teams struggle with communication, or if safety guidelines are not followed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate each tactic clearly before games, show both correct and incorrect applications, use students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Back court position gives you more time!'
•'Use your signals to coordinate!'
•'Aim low and throw smart!'
•'What tactic will work best now?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m per court, clear sight lines between courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or obstacles, appropriate for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs appropriate for Year 6 (foam or low-pressure rubber)
•Check balls for proper inflation and no damage
•Cones placed securely with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head/face area
•Collisions between players moving quickly
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce throwing below shoulder height rule consistently
•Ensure adequate spacing between multiple courts
•Emphasise controlled movement and awareness of others
•Monitor player energy levels and provide rest breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all courts simultaneously
•Circulate between games to monitor safety and tactics
•Watch for overcompetitive behaviour and cool down if needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed

Lesson 6 - Tactical Applications in Dodgeball

How can we use different tactics to outwit our opponents and succeed as a team in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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