Lesson 6 - Tactical Applications in Dodgeball
Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Place 3 balls on centre line for each game area
Alternative: Foam balls, rubber playground balls
Use to mark court boundaries and centre line
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, tape
Display prominently for reference during games
Alternative: Laminated rule cards, whiteboard summary
Distinguish teams clearly for tactical planning
Alternative: Different coloured bands, numbered vests
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used to gain an advantage over opponents in a game
A ball that is in play and can get players out if it hits them
Working together as a team to execute planned tactics
Where players place themselves on the court for tactical advantage
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
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