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Lesson 5 - Tactical Play and Officiating

Strategic Foundations

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Year 8

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Dodgeball

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can tactical thinking and fair officiating transform team performance in competitive games?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply advanced tactical strategies in dodgeball gameplay
To develop effective officiating skills with confidence and authority
To demonstrate leadership and communication skills within team contexts

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully implement at least 3 different tactical approaches during gameplay
Students will officiate games fairly and confidently, making clear decisions
Students will communicate effectively with teammates to coordinate tactical execution

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 (soft foam balls)

Place 6 balls on centre line, extras stored safely at court sides

Alternative: Foam balls, volleyball trainer balls

Dish Cones

Mark clear court boundaries and centre line divisions

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines

Whistles

6-8

One per officiating student, spares available

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Score Sheets

8 sheets

Include tactical bonus points columns

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, digital scoreboard

Team bibs

Bibs for 5 teams

Clear visual distinction between teams

Alternative: Different coloured bands, team names

Key Vocabulary

Quick Start

An aggressive opening tactic where one fast player retrieves a ball and immediately passes to a teammate for an early attack

Shield Formation

A defensive strategy where one player uses a ball to deflect incoming throws while teammates position behind for protection

Number Attack

A coordinated offensive strategy where multiple players simultaneously target one opponent by calling their position number

Malteaser

A deceptive two-person attack where one player throws an easy catch while another targets the distracted opponent

Kamikaze

A high-risk tactic where a player jumps over the centre line while throwing, accepting elimination for tactical advantage

Officiating

The act of refereeing a game with authority, making fair decisions and enforcing rules consistently

Tactical Communication

Clear, concise verbal and non-verbal signals used to coordinate team strategies during gameplay

Authority

The confident presence and decision-making ability required for effective officiating

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and gameplay
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of teamwork principles
Basic knowledge of fair play concepts

Current Skills

Advanced tactical awareness and application
Officiating skills with authority and consistency
Leadership in team strategic planning
Effective communication under pressure

Next Steps

Tournament organisation and management
Advanced officiating in inter-school competitions
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Creating new tactical variations

Milestone Indicators

Students independently choose appropriate tactics for game situations

Confident officiating without teacher intervention

Clear tactical communication heard across the court

Teams successfully executing coordinated strategies

Key Teaching Points

Tactical success requires clear communication and team coordination
Effective officiating demands confidence, consistency, and respect from all participants
Quick Start relies on speed, accuracy, and readiness of the receiving teammate
Shield formation provides defensive advantage when properly positioned and maintained
Number Attack requires synchronised timing and clear target identification
Respect for officials is essential for fair play and game flow
Leadership in tactics and officiating builds confidence and responsibility

Common Misconceptions

Tactics work every time if executed properly - actually timing and situation matter greatly
Officiating is easy - in reality it requires quick decision-making and confidence under pressure
Individual skill matters more than teamwork - tactical success depends on coordination
Arguing with officials improves decisions - respectful communication is more effective
Complex tactics are always better - simple, well-executed tactics often succeed more
Officials should be perfect - acknowledging human error while maintaining respect is important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget tools during discussions, movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical movements, extra practice time, visual step-by-step guides, reduced coordination complexity

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, quiet zones available, visual tactical diagrams, predictable role rotations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of tactics, buddy system for court positioning, audio signals for tactical calls

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for tactics, written tactical instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations, partner interpretation support

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated officiating positions, adapted tactical roles, alternative ball sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during tactics, articulating tactical reasoning, persuasive speaking during team discussions, active listening skills

Science

Physics of ball trajectory, reaction times, force and motion in throwing techniques, teamwork as collaborative problem-solving

Drama

Confidence building through officiating roles, projection of voice, authoritative presence, role-playing leadership positions

Geography

Spatial awareness on court, positional understanding, mapping tactical movements, directions and angles

Mathematics

Counting opponents for Number Attack, calculating bonus points, measuring court dimensions, timing tactical execution

PSHE

Leadership development, respect for authority figures, conflict resolution, emotional regulation under pressure, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between courts to observe tactical development and support student officials, maintain central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical communication, officiating confidence, team cooperation, and safe play practices

Intervention Points

Step in if tactical execution becomes unsafe, support struggling officials, mediate disputes respectfully

Demonstration Notes

Model confident officiating, demonstrate tactical execution slowly first, show respect for student officials, emphasise positive communication

Verbal Cues

•'Clear communication!'
•'Trust your decision!'
•'Tactical thinking!'
•'Respect the official!'
•'Work together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 30m court area per game, clear of obstacles with adequate boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip suitable for rapid directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Dodgeballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Boundary cones positioned safely away from play area
•Whistles sanitised between users
•Scoresheets with no sharp edges on clipboards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during Quick Start tactics
•Falls during Kamikaze jumping technique
•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Overly aggressive competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Progressive introduction of contact tactics
•Emphasis on controlled throwing techniques
•Student officials trained in safety awareness
•Regular breaks to prevent overexertion

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor student officials for safety decisions
•Watch for signs of overcompetitive behaviour
•Ensure respectful treatment of all participants

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately with loud whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure emotional support for any distressed students