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Lesson 5 - Tactical Play and Officiating

Tactics & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and fair officiating to make games more strategic and enjoyable for everyone?

Learning Objectives

Develop and apply tactical strategies in game situations
Demonstrate effective officiating skills with confidence and fairness
Work collaboratively in various contexts whilst following agreed rules

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully implement tactical strategies during game play
Students will officiate games fairly using clear communication and consistent decisions
Students will demonstrate excellent teamwork and respect for officials

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15

Place balls on centre line before each game, check for damage

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for younger students

Sun Markers

8-10 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and centre line

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, masking tape

Whistles

6-8

One whistle per officiating station

Alternative: Hand signals, verbal calls

Tablets

2-3

Positioned for tactical filming and assessment recording

Alternative: Mobile phones, observation sheets

Stopwatch

For timing warm-up and game segments

Alternative: Phone timers, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage during gameplay

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule adherence

Strategy

Overall approach to achieving success in competitive situations

Formation

Organised positioning of team members to execute tactics effectively

Deflection

Using a ball to redirect another ball away from yourself or teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and gameplay
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of fair play and basic teamwork

Current Skills

Advanced tactical thinking and strategy implementation
Officiating skills with clear communication
Complex teamwork in varied game contexts

Next Steps

Tournament organisation and management
Advanced leadership roles in sport
Creating modified games with new rules and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistently chooses appropriate tactics for game situations

Makes fair and consistent officiating decisions under pressure

Demonstrates leadership in team strategy discussions

Key Teaching Points

Tactical success depends on team communication and coordination, not individual skill alone
Effective officiating requires confidence, consistency, and fairness above all else
Different game situations call for different tactical approaches - develop situational awareness
Respect for officials creates positive sporting environments for everyone
Safety must never be compromised for tactical advantage or competitive success
Collaborative working skills transfer from sport to all areas of life
Practice and reflection are essential for developing both tactical and officiating expertise

Common Misconceptions

Tactics are only for elite players - actually, tactical thinking benefits all skill levels
Officiating is about being strict - actually, it's about ensuring fair play and enjoyment
The best tactics are always complex - often simple, well-executed tactics are most effective
Officials should be perfect - actually, consistency and learning from mistakes matter most
Winning is more important than safety - safety must always be the top priority
Only confident students can be officials - officiating skills can be developed by everyone
Tactics should be kept secret - actually, good tactics work even when opponents know them

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter tactical practice segments, provide frequent movement breaks, offer clear focus points for each activity, use visual aids for tactical reminders

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical movements, provide extra practice time for coordination, use larger equipment for easier handling, offer alternative ways to demonstrate understanding

autism spectrum

Provide clear tactical routine cards, use consistent officiating procedures, offer quiet reflection space if needed, break complex tactics into smaller steps

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of tactical demonstrations, assign sighted partner for officiating support, use tactile court boundary markers

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for tactical communication, provide written tactical summaries, use hand signals for officiating, ensure face-to-face communication for instructions

physical disability

Modify tactics for seated play, adapt throwing techniques for limited mobility, provide alternative officiating roles, adjust court size for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in tactical planning, vocabulary development through tactical terminology, listening skills during officiating, speaking clearly as officials

Maths

Counting in multiples during warm-up, calculating tactical success rates, timing games and tactical implementation, measuring court dimensions for tactical positioning

Science

Understanding projectile motion in tactical throwing, forces involved in ball deflection during shield tactic, physics of jumping in kamikaze technique

Geography

Spatial awareness in tactical positioning, understanding angles for tactical throws, mapping court positions for tactical planning

PSHE

Leadership development through tactical planning, conflict resolution in officiating situations, respect for authority and fair play, teamwork in high-pressure situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts for optimal oversight of tactical practice and officiating development

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, safe execution, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe tactical attempts, support struggling officials, clarify tactical confusion, manage competitive intensity

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic tone for tactical introductions, model confident officiating stance, show tactical variations clearly, celebrate both success and good attempts

Verbal Cues

•'Safety first, tactics second!'
•'Communicate before you execute!'
•'Officials, stay confident!'
•'Tactics are team decisions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, preferably two courts for simultaneous games and tactical practice

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for dynamic movement and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are appropriately soft and in good condition
•Ensure whistles are clean and functioning properly
•Verify court boundary markers are secure and visible
•Test filming equipment is positioned safely away from playing area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or head during tactical practice
•Collisions during quick start and kamikaze tactics
•Falls during shield formations and aggressive movements
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe tactical execution

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety briefing before tactical demonstrations
•Controlled practice of tactics before full-speed implementation
•Emphasis on safety over winning during all activities
•Regular breaks to assess safety and modify intensity
•Clear boundaries and adequate space between courts

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all tactical practice
•Monitor kamikaze technique for safe jumping and landing
•Watch shield formations for proper deflection technique
•Ensure officials positioned safely outside playing areas

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, modify activities if safety concerns arise