Lesson 5 - Tactical Awareness and Officiating
Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball
•Year 6
•Leadership
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and tactical thinking transform team performance?
Learning Objectives
- To develop tactical awareness and apply strategic thinking in game situations
- To demonstrate effective officiating skills with confidence and fairness
- To work collaboratively in various leadership roles and contexts
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply multiple tactics effectively in competitive situations
- Students will officiate games with clear, confident decision-making
- Students will demonstrate leadership qualities across different team roles
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in equipment bag at centre line for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls
Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Distributed before warm-up activity
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Available for student referees
Alternative: Voice commands only
Positioned for clear view of tactical demonstrations
Alternative: Observation sheets
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies designed to gain advantage over opponents
Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement
Planning ahead and making decisions based on the game situation
Clear exchange of information between team members
Guiding and inspiring others to achieve team goals
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of dodgeball rules
- Experience working in teams
- Fundamental throwing and catching skills
Current Skills
- Tactical awareness and strategic thinking
- Officiating and decision-making abilities
- Leadership in various contexts
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical analysis across different sports
- Coaching and mentoring younger students
- Competitive officiating in inter-school events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical thinking requires communication and teamwork to be effective
- Great officials show the 5 C's: loud, clear, confident, consistent, and fair
- Leadership can be demonstrated through playing, officiating, and supporting teammates
- Advanced tactics require good timing and coordination between team members
- Respect for referees is essential for any sport to function properly
- Self-reflection helps identify areas for leadership improvement
- Different situations require different leadership approaches and qualities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking tactics are 'cheating' rather than strategic thinking
- Believing only the loudest person can be a leader
- Assuming referees are always right without understanding their challenging role
- Focusing only on winning rather than developing leadership skills
- Thinking leadership is only about telling others what to do
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes, clear role definitions, movement breaks during discussions, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified tactical movements, extra practice time, focus on strategic thinking over physical execution
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual tactic cards, quiet reflection spaces, consistent officiating rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and clear verbal descriptions of tactics, audio cues for officiating decisions
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for tactics and officiating, written tactical instruction cards, buddy system for communication
physical disability
- Modified throwing distances, seated officiating options, adapted tactics focusing on strategy over mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear communication of tactics, respectful discussion during reflection, explanation of tactical choices
Maths
Counting in multiples during warm-up, calculating tactical success rates, timing games and rotations
Science
Understanding force and trajectory in ball throwing, reaction times in tactical execution
PSHE
Leadership development, conflict resolution, respect for authority, working with others effectively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter for optimal viewing angles, support student referees without undermining authority
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical application, leadership emergence, respectful behaviour, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, support struggling referees, celebrate excellent tactical play and sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Model confident officiating, show tactical movements clearly, emphasise sportsmanship through actions
Verbal Cues
- •'Communicate your tactic!'
- •'Referees, be confident!'
- •'Respect the decision!'
- •'Show me your leadership!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Sports hall or large playground area minimum 20m x 15m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate impact absorption for jumping movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Dodgeballs properly inflated and soft-touch material
- •Cones positioned safely with rounded edges
- •Whistles cleaned between users
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between players during fast-paced games
- •Impact from balls thrown too hard
- •Unsafe jumping during Kamikaze tactic
- •Emotional conflicts during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundary enforcement and adequate spacing
- •Controlled throwing power - skill over force
- •Careful supervision of advanced tactics with safety mats
- •Strong sportsmanship expectations and conflict resolution
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all court areas
- •Monitor game intensity and emotional responses
- •Support student referees when situations become challenging
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and emotional support, incident recording if required