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Lesson 8 - Tournament Play & Tactics

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 combine individual skills with team tactics to succeed in competitive situations?

Learning Objectives

To apply dodgeball skills, rules and tactics effectively in tournament play
To demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship in competitive situations
To evaluate own and others' performance and suggest improvements

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply tactical knowledge in game situations
Students will demonstrate honesty and fair play throughout tournament matches
Students will provide constructive feedback on performance and tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Mark out two tournament courts with clear boundaries and centre lines

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines for court boundaries

Dodgeball

10 (soft foam balls)

3 balls per game, extras for practice and backup

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for adapted version

Clues Document

1 per team

Laminated copies available for team reference

Alternative: Simplified rules poster, visual rule cards

Score Sheets

1 per class

Four-team tournament tracking sheet with match results

Alternative: Whiteboard scoring system, digital scoreboard

Team bibs

Clear identification for rotating referee roles

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify referees

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing a series of matches to determine an overall winner

Tactics

Planned strategies and techniques used by a team to gain advantage in a game

Fair Play

Playing according to rules while showing respect and honesty towards opponents

Live Ball

A ball that has been thrown and not yet touched the ground or been caught

Court Position

Strategic placement of players to maximise attacking and defensive opportunities

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of dodgeball rules
Experience of team cooperation
Basic tactical awareness

Current Skills

Tactical application in competitive situations
Performance evaluation and feedback
Advanced team coordination
Leadership in tournament play

Next Steps

Advanced tactical planning
Coaching and mentoring skills
Cross-curricular tournament organisation
Advanced sports leadership

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tactical decision-making under pressure

Clear communication of tactical ideas to teammates

Honest self-evaluation of performance

Positive leadership during challenging moments

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success includes tactical application, character development, and skill demonstration equally
Fair play and honest officiating are non-negotiable expectations throughout competition
Team tactics require communication, positioning, and adaptability based on game situations
Character under pressure distinguishes great competitors from merely skilled players
Reflection and analysis deepen learning beyond just participating in games
Leadership opportunities exist for all students through various roles and responsibilities
Sportsmanship extends beyond your own team to respect and recognition of opponents

Common Misconceptions

Tournament success is only measured by winning games - address by emphasising character and tactical criteria
Fair play is less important in competitive situations - reinforce that integrity matters more under pressure
Individual skill is more important than team tactics - demonstrate how coordination beats individual talent
Referees are there to catch cheaters - explain that referees support fair play and help maintain game flow
Losing means you've failed - emphasise learning, character development, and tactical improvement as success measures

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods if needed, clear role definitions, regular positive reinforcement for character

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, simplified throwing techniques, extra practice time for tactical understanding

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure posted visually, designated calm areas, predictable routine between games

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal warnings for throws, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual referee signals, clear written tournament format, visual demonstration of tactics

physical disability

Seated throwing version, modified court size, alternative equipment like larger softer balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team tactics, reflection and analysis through discussion

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, probability of winning combinations, time management during games

Science

Forces and angles in throwing, trajectory calculations, reaction times and reflexes

PSHE

Character building, resilience under pressure, leadership in challenging situations, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts for maximum visibility, rotate to observe different angles

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical application, character development, and safety simultaneously

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately if rules are being ignored", "Intervene if competitive pressure affects sportsmanship", "Support teams struggling with tactical concepts"]

Demonstration Notes

Model fair play calling own fouls, demonstrate tactical positioning between games

Verbal Cues

•'Play hard, play fair!'
•'Show your character now!'
•'Use your tactics!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two courts minimum 20m x 15m each, clear of obstacles with 2m safety buffer

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and diving movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam dodgeballs checked for appropriate inflation
•Cones positioned safely outside playing areas
•No damaged equipment that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•High-intensity collisions during tournament play
•Ball impacts, particularly near face area
•Competitive pressure leading to unsafe play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear shoulder-level rule consistently enforced
•Referee system ensures rule compliance
•Regular reminders about fair play and safety
•Immediate intervention if play becomes unsafe

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both courts simultaneously
•Monitor emotional intensity throughout tournament
•Watch for fatigue affecting judgement and safety

Emergency Procedures

Clear stop signal established, immediate assessment protocol for any injuries, first aid readily available