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Lesson 4 - Blocking and Team Tactics

Tactics & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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50 min

Big Question

How can effective communication and team roles help us work together when attacking and defending?

Learning Objectives

To use a ball effectively to block incoming throws
To understand and implement different team roles in game situations
To communicate effectively when working as part of a team

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate blocking techniques to protect themselves and teammates
Students will work cooperatively in team roles showing tactical awareness
Students will communicate clearly to coordinate team attacks and defence

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-16 balls

Place balls along centre line of each court

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safety

Coloured Bibs

8-10 different colours

Different colours for each team and special roles

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnards

Sun Markers

7 spots

Mark two separate courts approximately 15m x 8m each

Alternative: Chalk lines, existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Blocking

Using a ball or body position to stop incoming throws from hitting you or teammates

Team Roles

Specific jobs or responsibilities each player has within their team

Communication

Sharing information clearly with teammates to coordinate play

Tactical Awareness

Understanding the game situation and making smart decisions

Resuscitation

The doctor bringing eliminated players back into the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from Unit 1
Understanding of dodgeball rules and court boundaries
Experience working in small groups

Current Skills

Using balls to block incoming throws
Understanding team roles and responsibilities
Communicating effectively during game play

Next Steps

Advanced tactical decision-making in competitive games
Leadership skills in organising team strategies
Creating and implementing complex game variations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful blocking of incoming throws

Effective communication leading to team success

Adaptation of tactics based on changing game situations

Key Teaching Points

Communication is essential for successful team defence and coordination
Blocking technique requires proper grip, positioning and quick reactions
Team roles create tactical decisions that require adaptation and flexibility
Protecting special characters requires team sacrifice and strategic positioning
Learning from mistakes is more important than avoiding them completely
Different game variations require different tactical approaches and team organisation
Individual skills serve team success rather than personal achievement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that having special characters means individual players become more important than team cooperation
Believing that blocking is only about personal protection rather than team defence
Assuming that communication means shouting rather than clear, helpful information sharing
Expecting to master complex team tactics immediately without practice and patience
Focusing on elimination of opponents rather than protection and support of teammates

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent role rotations, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific focus tasks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified blocking positions, extended practice time for new skills

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent rules for each character, visual role reminder cards, predictable game structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure doctor can see elimination signals, written role descriptions

physical disability

Modified roles such as stationary blocker, seated play options, adapted equipment weights

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, listening to instructions, expressing tactical ideas clearly

Maths

Counting resuscitation time, measuring court dimensions, calculating team success rates

Science

Forces and impact in ball throwing, reaction times in blocking, teamwork dynamics

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning on court, tactical movement patterns

PSHE

Cooperation, leadership, handling disappointment, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally between two courts for maximum visibility, move between courts during games

Observation Focus

Watch for effective team communication, tactical adaptation, and safe play standards

Intervention Points

["Step in if blocking technique becomes unsafe", "Intervene if character abilities encourage overly aggressive play", "Support teams struggling with role coordination"]

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good examples during games, highlight positive tactical decisions publicly

Verbal Cues

•'Protect your doctor!'
•'Use your blocking ball!'
•'Communicate where the threat is!'
•'Great teamwork, keep it up!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two courts minimum 15m x 8m each, clear run-off areas of 2m around boundaries

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs only - no hard or heavy balls
•Bibs securely fastened but easily removable
•Court boundaries clearly marked with non-slip markers

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face
•Collisions between players rushing to same ball
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Aggressive play during character games

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasis on controlled throwing below shoulder height
•Clear rules about doctor resuscitation process to prevent crushing
•Separate courts to reduce overcrowding
•Regular reminders about appropriate force levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both courts simultaneously
•Monitor special character safety, especially King and Golden Baller
•Watch for signs of overexcitement leading to unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop game immediately for any injury, assess student welfare, apply first aid protocols, investigate cause