Lesson 4 - Blocking and Team Tactics
Tactics & Team Dynamics
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
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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
Place balls along centre line of each court
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safety
Different colours for each team and special roles
Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnards
Mark two separate courts approximately 15m x 8m each
Alternative: Chalk lines, existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
Using a ball or body position to stop incoming throws from hitting you or teammates
Specific jobs or responsibilities each player has within their team
Sharing information clearly with teammates to coordinate play
Understanding the game situation and making smart decisions
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
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