Lesson 8 - Tournament Play & Tactics
Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
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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
Mark out two tournament courts with clear boundaries and centre lines
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines for court boundaries
3 balls per game, extras for practice and backup
Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for adapted version
Laminated copies available for team reference
Alternative: Simplified rules poster, visual rule cards
Four-team tournament tracking sheet with match results
Alternative: Whiteboard scoring system, digital scoreboard
Clear identification for rotating referee roles
Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify referees
Key Vocabulary
A competition involving multiple teams playing a series of matches to determine an overall winner
Planned strategies and techniques used by a team to gain advantage in a game
Playing according to rules while showing respect and honesty towards opponents
A ball that has been thrown and not yet touched the ground or been caught
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
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