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Lesson 6 - Tournament Play & Self-Assessment

Tactics & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can I use my knowledge of tactics and teamwork to compete at my highest level while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship?

Learning Objectives

To choose the right moment to attack and defend in competitive games
To compete against others effectively whilst demonstrating understanding of rules
To evaluate personal performance and identify strengths and areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in attack and defence during tournament play
Students will compete fairly and accept decisions whilst showing respect for opponents
Students will accurately self-assess their abilities and set targets for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

Distribute equally between two courts

Alternative: Soft sponge balls, bean bags for safety

Markers Cones

20 cones (4 different colours)

Mark two separate playing areas and assessment corners

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings

Bibs

30 (6 sets of 5)

Clearly distinguish 5 teams for tournament

Alternative: Coloured bands, house team tops

Whistles

3 whistles

One for teacher, one for each officiating team

Alternative: Voice commands with clear signals

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For assessment evidence and performance analysis

Alternative: Smartphone or observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive event where multiple teams compete against each other in a series of matches

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to use different strategies to gain an advantage

Self-assessment

Honestly evaluating your own performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents and officials, and showing grace in both victory and defeat

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule adherence during games

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic dodgeball techniques (throwing, catching, dodging)
Students understand the basic rules and safety requirements
Students can work cooperatively in team situations

Current Skills

Tactical decision-making in competitive situations
Self-evaluation and performance analysis
Leadership and sportsmanship under pressure

Next Steps

Application of tactical knowledge to other invasion games
Independent organisation of competitive activities
Advanced officiating and coaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistently makes good tactical decisions during games

Demonstrates excellent sportsmanship even when losing

Can accurately assess own performance and set improvement targets

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness in attack and defence is more important than just throwing hard
Excellent sportsmanship and respect for officials are as valuable as winning games
Honest self-assessment helps identify both strengths and areas for improvement
Teamwork and communication are essential for competitive success
School games values should be maintained even under competitive pressure
Officiating is a skill that requires confidence, fairness, and respect from all players
Physical activity can continue beyond school through community opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Throwing harder always means better results - correct with emphasis on timing and accuracy
Winning is the only measure of success - address by celebrating effort, improvement, and values demonstration
Referee decisions can be argued if you disagree - reinforce acceptance and respect for officials
Only the best players can help their team - show how all students contribute to team success
Dodgeball is just about avoiding being hit - highlight tactical elements of positioning and team strategy
Competition means being aggressive towards opponents - emphasise competing hard while showing respect

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with breaks, clear role definitions, movement opportunities between games, specific jobs during waiting periods

dyspraxia

Extra practice time with ball handling, simplified tactics initially, larger softer balls if needed, buddy support for complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable tournament format, quiet space available for breaks, advance warning of game changes and rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured or audible balls, clear verbal cues for court positioning, buddy system for navigation and game awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals from referees, written game rules and tactics sheets, ensure visual contact when giving instructions

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated play variations, alternative roles such as scorekeeper or tactical advisor for team

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development for tactical and evaluative language, structured discussion and debate skills, giving and receiving constructive feedback

Maths

Tournament brackets and game calculations, timing and scoring, statistical analysis of team performance and success rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing trajectories, reaction times and human reflexes, heart rate and exercise physiology

PSHE

Fair play and respect for others, dealing with winning and losing, leadership and responsibility as referees

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all games while maintaining overview of entire space. Position near referee when supporting decision-making.

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, sportsmanship under pressure, and application of skills learned throughout unit. Note specific examples for recognition.

Intervention Points

Step in if sportsmanship deteriorates, referee decisions need support, or safety concerns arise. Guide rather than take over student leadership.

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship in all interactions. Show how to give and receive feedback constructively. Demonstrate tactical thinking through questioning rather than telling.

Verbal Cues

•'Think about timing - when is the best moment to throw?'
•'Great sportsmanship - that's what champions look like!'
•'Remember your team tactics - communicate with each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two separate court areas minimum 15m x 8m each with 3m buffer zone between courts

Surface Check

Indoor hall with non-slip surface, free from water or debris. Outdoor use only if dry conditions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs checked for proper inflation and no damage
•Cones positioned safely away from playing area boundaries
•Whistles tested and additional available if needed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area during competitive play
•Collisions between players moving at speed
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Frustration or aggressive behaviour during competition
•Overexertion during extended tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled throwing below shoulder height
•Maintain clear boundaries and adequate space between games
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for fatigue
•Teacher supervision with focus on sportsmanship
•Soft ball alternatives for students with specific needs

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both courts simultaneously when possible
•Monitor referee decision-making for safety compliance
•Watch for signs of overcompetitive behaviour or frustration
•Ensure equal participation and rotation of roles

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs. Assess severity and provide appropriate first aid. Clear communication with all students about what to do during emergencies.