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Lesson 4 - Team Defence & Communication

Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball

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Year 6

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Leadership

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective communication and strategic thinking help a team overcome challenging situations?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to use objects and positioning to defend teammates effectively
To understand and apply strategic communication during team-based competitive activities
To demonstrate leadership skills by making tactical decisions under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to coordinate team defensive strategies using clear communication
Students will understand how to adapt their role within a team based on changing game situations
Students will demonstrate leadership by encouraging teammates and making strategic decisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Bibs

12-15

Distribute different colours for team identification and special roles

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or different coloured t-shirts

Soft Dodgeballs

8-10

Check all balls are properly inflated and soft for safety

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for younger children

Sun Markers

8-12

Place in centre of activity areas to define boundaries

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or chalk circles

Markers Cones

Set up two separate court areas for simultaneous games

Alternative: Playground lines, rope, or painted boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Defensive strategy

A planned approach to protect your team or territory from opponents

Tactical communication

Using specific words and signals to coordinate team movements and decisions

Adaptation

Changing your strategy or approach based on new circumstances

Team coordination

Working together in a synchronized way to achieve a common goal

Leadership under pressure

Making good decisions and guiding others when the situation becomes challenging

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork principles
Ability to follow simple game rules and instructions
Basic spatial awareness and movement skills

Current Skills

Strategic defensive positioning and communication
Adapting team roles based on game situations
Leadership through tactical decision-making

Next Steps

Advanced team strategy development across multiple sports
Peer coaching and mentoring skills
Leading warm-ups and teaching activities to younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of tactical communication during pressure situations

Natural leadership emergence during challenging moments

Ability to adapt strategy mid-game based on team needs

Key Teaching Points

Success in these games comes from thinking tactically and communicating effectively, not just physical ability
Leadership means supporting teammates and making good decisions under pressure
Adaptation and flexibility are key - the best teams adjust their strategy based on circumstances
Communication must be clear, specific, and encouraging even when the team is losing
Every student has a valuable role to play regardless of their physical ability or experience
Reflection and learning from mistakes is more important than winning every game
These tactical and leadership skills transfer to all sports and many life situations

Common Misconceptions

Believing that the strongest thrower or fastest runner will automatically be the best team player
Thinking that winning means the team used the best tactics (luck and individual skill can override poor teamwork)
Assuming that leadership only comes from the loudest or most confident students
Believing that complex strategies are always better than simple, well-executed plans
Thinking that protecting special characters means hiding them rather than supporting them actively

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear roles and responsibilities, use movement purposefully for focus

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical concepts initially, provide extra practice time for coordination skills, use larger equipment if helpful

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zone if overstimulation occurs, use visual schedules for game transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure clear visual positioning for lip reading, establish simple hand signals for tactics

physical disability

Modify roles to suit mobility levels, allow seated play variations, adjust court size and game speed as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through tactical terminology, clear communication under pressure

Maths

Strategic probability assessment when choosing character roles, calculating optimal positioning using geometry and angles

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball throwing and defensive movement, physics of projectile motion

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping skills through court positioning and territorial strategy

PSHE

Leadership development, conflict resolution, resilience building, and effective communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two courts allowing visual oversight of all activities and quick intervention if needed

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of tactical communication, evidence of strategic thinking, and positive leadership behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in when teams struggle with tactical concepts, when safety is compromised, or when students show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use specific examples from student performance to illustrate excellent tactical thinking and teamwork, emphasising the thinking behind successful plays

Verbal Cues

•'Think tactically!'
•'Protect your special players!'
•'Great communication!'
•'What's your team strategy?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 30m x 20m for two courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate footwear for quick changes of direction

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All dodgeballs must be soft foam and properly inflated
•Check bibs are securely attached but easily removable
•Ensure spot markers are flat and won't cause tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during fast-paced games
•Trips and falls from sitting players on court
•Frustration leading to overly aggressive throwing or contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Emphasis on tactical thinking over physical aggression
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of both courts
•Regular reminders about soft throwing and fair play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for oversight of both games simultaneously
•Move actively to maintain proximity to most intense action
•Watch for signs of frustration or overly competitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, and modify activities if needed to maintain safety