Lesson 4 - Teamwork and Strategy in Dodgeball
Strategic Foundations
•Year 8
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective teamwork and strategic thinking give your team the competitive edge in dodgeball?
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
- Develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills in team-based activities
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and support teammates in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will work effectively as part of a team, showing cooperation and tactical awareness
- Students will adapt their strategies based on different game scenarios and team roles
- Students will demonstrate leadership skills and support teammates in making tactical decisions
Equipment & Resources Required
Place balls on centre line at start of each game
Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls
Mark court boundaries clearly - minimum 15m x 8m per court
Alternative: Flat markers, chalk lines
4 teams plus special role bibs for doctors and characters
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Different colour for each character role to ensure visibility
Alternative: Pinnards, special coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
Working together cooperatively to achieve a common goal
A planned approach to achieve success in the game
Working together effectively, sharing ideas and supporting teammates
The process of choosing the best course of action during gameplay
Taking responsibility to guide and motivate team members
Strategies used to shield important team members from being eliminated
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dodgeball throwing and catching techniques
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
- Experience working in small groups
Current Skills
- Advanced teamwork and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and tactical awareness
- Leadership and decision-making abilities
Next Steps
- Apply teamwork skills to other invasion games
- Develop coaching and mentoring abilities
- Lead team tactics in competitive situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective teamwork requires clear communication - teams must talk constantly
- Strategic thinking involves analysing opponents and adapting your own tactics
- Leadership can be shown by anyone through encouragement and tactical suggestions
- Protection strategies must balance offence and defence effectively
- Learning from mistakes is more valuable than winning every game
- Different team roles require different skills but all are important
- Adaptation and flexibility are key to success in complex game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking teamwork means everyone doing the same thing - actually requires diverse roles
- Believing strategy is only for team captains - all players can contribute tactical ideas
- Assuming protective formations mean staying static - good protection requires dynamic movement
- Thinking louder communication is better - clear, calm communication is more effective
- Believing individual skill is more important than team cooperation in invasion games
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter game rounds with frequent breaks, provide clear role definitions, offer movement breaks between strategy discussions
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls for better grip, allow extra time for strategic planning, provide visual aids for team formations
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of game progression, offer quiet break space if needed, use consistent routines for team selection
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide audio cues for game boundaries, assign sighted buddy for strategy discussions
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game starts and stops, provide written character descriptions, ensure face-to-face communication during strategy time
physical disability
- Adapt to seated or modified throwing positions, use larger or softer balls, modify court size for mobility needs
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating probabilities in strategic decisions, measuring court dimensions, timing and statistics of game outcomes
Science
Understanding physics of ball trajectory, reaction times and coordination, teamwork in scientific investigations
Drama
Role-playing different characters, expressing ideas clearly in team discussions, confidence in group presentations
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding territory and boundaries, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Leadership qualities, cooperation and communication skills, managing competitive emotions and pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand centrally between courts to observe both games simultaneously, move closer to teams when they're planning strategy
Observation Focus
Watch for positive team communication, strategic thinking, and inclusive behaviour from all team members
Intervention Points
Step in if teams struggle with strategic discussion, if individuals are excluded, or if competitive pressure becomes negative
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Show strategic formations visually, model positive team communication, use pause-and-discuss moments to highlight good teamwork examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Talk to your team - what's your strategy?'
- •'How can you protect your special player?'
- •'Great communication - keep talking!'
- •'Think tactically - who should you target?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 15m for two courts with 2m safety zones around perimeters
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for ball flight
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are appropriate firmness - not too hard
- •Ensure all cones are stable and visible
- •Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries from over-enthusiastic throwing
- •Collisions between players during intense gameplay
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
- •Emotional stress from competitive pressure
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled throwing - accuracy over power
- •Maintain clear court boundaries and adequate spacing
- •Promote fair play and positive competition
- •Monitor game intensity and intervene if necessary
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position between courts for maximum visibility
- •Watch for over-aggressive play or unsafe throwing
- •Monitor team dynamics for negative behaviour
- •Be ready to pause games if safety concerns arise
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, resume only when safe