Lesson 6 - Tournament Play & Self-Assessment
Tactics & Team Dynamics
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
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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
Distribute equally between two courts
Alternative: Soft sponge balls, bean bags for safety
Mark two separate playing areas and assessment corners
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings
Clearly distinguish 5 teams for tournament
Alternative: Coloured bands, house team tops
One for teacher, one for each officiating team
Alternative: Voice commands with clear signals
For assessment evidence and performance analysis
Alternative: Smartphone or observation sheets
Key Vocabulary
A competitive event where multiple teams compete against each other in a series of matches
Understanding when and how to use different strategies to gain an advantage
Honestly evaluating your own performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement
Playing fairly, respecting opponents and officials, and showing grace in both victory and defeat
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
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.