👑

Lesson 5 - Tactical Awareness and Officiating

Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball

•

Year 6

•

Leadership

•

Big Question

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

Dodgeball

12-15 balls

Stored in equipment bag at centre line for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls

Cones

8-10 cones

Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

2 sets of 15

Distributed before warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Whistles

3.5 whistles

Available for student referees

Alternative: Voice commands only

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

Positioned for clear view of tactical demonstrations

Alternative: Observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies designed to gain advantage over opponents

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Strategic thinking

Planning ahead and making decisions based on the game situation

Communication

Clear exchange of information between team members

Leadership

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

Students can explain tactical decisions clearly

Students show confidence when officiating

Teams show improved coordination and communication

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