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Lesson 4 - Tactical Teamwork

Dodgeball Fundamentals

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Year 7

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can we use tactical awareness and teamwork to outthink our opponents in competitive situations?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Work as part of a team to achieve collective goals
Develop tactical awareness and decision-making skills in competitive scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork strategies in dodgeball variations
Students will show understanding of tactical roles and responsibilities
Students will communicate effectively to coordinate team attacks and defence

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

8-12 balls

Place all balls in centre line at start of each game

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for reduced impact

Dish Cones

16-20 cones

Create two adjacent courts 15m x 8m each with no gap between

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers for indoor courts

Coloured Bibs

8 bibs (2 each of 4 colours)

Different colour for each team, extra bib for doctor identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnies

Stopwatch

For timing doctor resuscitation and game periods

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

Understanding game situations and making smart decisions to help your team

Resuscitate

In Doctor's Dodgeball, when the doctor brings eliminated players back into the game

Character roles

Special abilities or rules that certain players have in modified dodgeball games

Protection strategy

Working as a team to keep important players safe from elimination

Decision-making

Choosing the best action quickly during fast-paced game situations

Team coordination

Working together with clear communication and shared understanding

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and throwing techniques
Understanding of court boundaries and safety
Basic catching and dodging skills

Current Skills

Advanced teamwork and tactical awareness
Character-based game strategies
Leadership and communication in team scenarios

Next Steps

Tournament organisation and refereeing
Creating own game variations and rules
Advanced tactical analysis and coaching

Milestone Indicators

Clear verbal communication during games

Evidence of protective team strategies

Adaptation of tactics based on game situations

Leadership behaviours emerging naturally

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness requires constant communication and adaptation to changing situations
Character roles create opportunities for every student to contribute meaningfully to team success
Protection strategies are more important than individual throwing accuracy
Decision-making speed improves with experience and clear communication
Learning from mistakes is essential for tactical development
Leadership can emerge naturally when students feel supported and valued
Complex games require simplified communication systems to be effective

Common Misconceptions

Believing the strongest thrower should always be the doctor or special character
Thinking aggressive throwing is more effective than strategic placement
Assuming character powers make teams automatically stronger without strategy
Expecting immediate success with complex tactics rather than building gradually
Focusing on individual performance rather than team coordination
Believing mistakes are failures rather than learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent role rotations, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, simplified character introductions

dyspraxia

Larger softer balls, reduced throwing distances, additional practice time for coordination, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear visual character cards, structured team roles, predictable game phases, quiet reflection time available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation, tactile court boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for game instructions, vibrating timer for game phases, written character power cards, visual elimination signals

physical disability

Seated throwing positions allowed, modified court sizes, lighter balls or bean bags, extended elimination timing for mobility needs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, persuasive language in team discussions, descriptive vocabulary for tactics

Maths

Counting strategies, timing calculations, spatial geometry in court positioning, probability in tactical decision-making

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectories, reaction times, energy systems during intense activity

Geography

Spatial awareness, territory concepts, strategic positioning, mapping court areas

History

Evolution of team sports, military tactical thinking parallels, leadership through history

Psychology

Team dynamics, decision-making under pressure, leadership styles, group problem-solving

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts for maximum visibility, rotate to observe different angles

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical development, communication quality, and character rule adherence

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarifications, safety concerns, or to highlight excellent tactics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for character powers, involve students in demonstrations, emphasise safety aspects visually

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up - watch for threats!'
•'Protect your special players!'
•'What's your team strategy here?'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Remember your character powers!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 15m for two courts with 3m separation, clear of obstacles and walls

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface with adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam dodgeballs only - no leather or hard balls
•Cones with rounded edges positioned away from play areas
•Bibs checked for secure fastening without loose straps

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head and face area
•Collisions between players during rapid movement
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Injuries from aggressive throwing or diving

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce below-shoulder throwing rule at all times
•Maintain adequate spacing between courts and walls
•Clear elimination procedures to remove players from active zones
•Progressive intensity building throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of both courts simultaneously
•Monitor throwing intensity and intervene if excessive
•Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident reporting if required