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Big Question

How can we use our dodging skills to compete successfully as a team?

Learning Objectives

  • Apply dodging techniques effectively in competitive situations
  • Demonstrate tactical understanding of when, where and why to dodge
  • Work collaboratively as a team while following tournament rules

Key Outcomes

  • Students will compete in a structured dodgeball tournament using proper dodging technique
  • Students will understand the difference between attacking and defensive dodging movements
  • Students will demonstrate fair play and teamwork throughout competitive games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
8-10

Place equal numbers on each side of playing area

Alternative: Bean bags, soft rubber balls

Cones
16

Mark boundaries for two tournament pitches

Alternative: Markers, spots

Bibs
20 (4 different colours)

One colour per team for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Score Sheets
1

Track tournament results and points

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard

Stopwatch
1

Time each tournament match

Alternative: Classroom timer, phone timer

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

To quickly move away from something to avoid being hit

Tournament

A competition where teams play against each other to find a winner

Round Robin

A tournament where every team plays every other team

Tactics

Plans and strategies used to help win games

Fair Play

Playing by the rules and showing respect for opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic dodging technique with low body position
  • Understanding of when to move away from rolling balls
  • Experience with simple dodgeball games

Current Skills

  • Applying dodging skills in competitive tournament format
  • Working as a team to achieve success
  • Understanding tactics and strategy in dodging games

Next Steps

  • Advanced dodging techniques with direction changes
  • Leadership roles in team sports
  • Tactical analysis and game improvement

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent use of proper dodging technique under pressure
2
Demonstrates understanding of team tactics
3
Shows fair play and sportsmanship throughout competition

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain proper dodging technique even under competitive pressure
  • Emphasise teamwork and communication throughout the tournament
  • Focus on effort and improvement rather than just winning and losing
  • Model and reinforce excellent sportsmanship at all times
  • Use the tournament to consolidate all previous dodging learning
  • Ensure all students feel successful regardless of team results
  • Celebrate tactical understanding and strategic thinking

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking tournaments are only about winning - emphasise learning and effort
  • Believing individual performance is more important than teamwork
  • Confusion about when players are 'out' - clarify rules clearly
  • Thinking dodging is just about speed - emphasise technique and timing
  • Believing competition means poor sportsmanship is acceptable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter game rounds, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
  • Simplified dodging movements, extra practice time, larger play areas, supportive teammates
autism spectrum
  • Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet zones available, consistent routines
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of tournament progress, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual signals for game start/stop, written tournament rules, clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
  • Modified dodging from seated position, larger target areas, adapted movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using descriptive language to explain tactics, listening skills during team discussions

Maths

Counting tournament points, calculating total scores, understanding simple statistics

Science

Understanding forces in movement, reaction times, effects of exercise on the body

PSHE

Fair play, teamwork, dealing with competition results, emotional regulation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between both tournament pitches for optimal supervision

Observation Focus

Technical dodging skills, team cooperation, fair play, and safety

Intervention Points

Step in if rules disputes arise, technique becomes unsafe, or poor sportsmanship occurs

Demonstration Notes

Emphasise proper dodging technique throughout, model positive competition behaviour, show how to resolve disputes fairly

Verbal Cues
  • •'Head up, knees bent!'
  • •'Work together as a team!'
  • •'Show good sportsmanship!'
  • •'Remember to call warnings to teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor or outdoor space, minimum 20m x 15m for two tournament pitches

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Use only soft foam balls for rolling
  • •Check balls for damage before use
  • •Ensure cones are placed safely away from playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions between students during dodging
  • •Slips and falls during quick movements
  • •Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries and rules established
  • •Adequate spacing between teams and pitches
  • •Balls only rolled along ground, never thrown
  • •Regular reminders about safe movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to see both tournament pitches
  • •Monitor for fatigue and overexertion
  • •Watch for emotional reactions to competition results
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, modify activity if needed