Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Gameplay
Confidence Through Skill Progression
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use rules to make games fair and enjoyable for everyone?
Learning Objectives
- To learn and apply the fundamental rules of dodgeball
- To demonstrate safe throwing techniques below shoulder height
- To participate in mini dodgeball games showing fair play and honesty
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand and apply dodgeball rules in game situations
- Students will demonstrate accurate throwing and catching skills
- Students will show sportsmanship and honest play throughout games
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark dead zone (centre strip) and end zones (team areas)
Alternative: Spots, markers, or painted lines
Soft foam balls recommended for safety - check inflation levels
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for beginners
To distinguish teams clearly during gameplay
Alternative: Different coloured bands or team markers
Key Vocabulary
The centre area of the court where only hands are allowed - balls are placed here
The area at each end of the court where teams start and must return balls to
A ball that hasn't bounced yet - can get players out or be caught
A ball that has bounced - cannot get players out
When a live ball touches a player below the shoulders
Catching an opponent's throw before it bounces
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can throw and catch a large ball with some accuracy
- Understands basic game rules and turn-taking
- Can move safely in shared spaces
Current Skills
- Learn specific dodgeball rules and terminology
- Develop accurate throwing below shoulder height
- Practice dodging and catching techniques
- Apply fair play and honesty in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced dodgeball tactics and team strategies
- Officiating and refereeing skills
- Modified dodgeball games with different rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - below shoulder throws only, no exceptions
- Dead zone rule - hands only, no feet or body parts
- Honest play is essential - call yourself out when hit
- Live vs dead ball understanding - bounced balls don't count
- Teamwork and spreading out makes teams harder to hit
- Ready position with bent knees improves reaction time
- Positive communication and sportsmanship throughout games
Common Misconceptions
- Dead zone belongs to one team - correct: it's neutral territory
- Can throw at head/shoulders - correct: below shoulders only for safety
- Bounced balls still count - correct: only live (un-bounced) balls count
- Must throw hard to be effective - correct: accuracy is more important than power
- Catching is optional - correct: catches reverse the outcome and are crucial
- Being out means giving up - correct: support team and wait for comeback opportunity
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear visual boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Larger slower balls, reduced court size, extra practice time, simplified rule versions, partner support
autism spectrum
- Clear visual court markings, consistent routines, quiet zones available, warning before loud whistles
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal court descriptions, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for ball location
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for game start/stop, written rule cards, demonstration-heavy teaching, peer support for instructions
physical disability
- Seated version with underarm throws, modified court size, lighter balls, adapted catching techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, explaining rules to others, using specific vocabulary, team communication
Maths
Counting hits and catches, timing games, measuring distances for court setup, calculating team scores
Science
Forces in throwing, trajectory of balls, reaction times, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Teamwork, honesty, resilience when out, managing competitive emotions, supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around courts to observe all teams, position near centre for best visibility
Observation Focus
Monitor throwing height, rule compliance, fair play, and safety throughout
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, unfair play, or rule violations
Demonstration Notes
Show all techniques clearly, emphasise safety aspects, model positive behaviour and fair play throughout lesson
Verbal Cues
- •'Below shoulders only!'
- •'Spread out team!'
- •'Play fair and honest!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area with court markings and safety zones
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for throwing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam dodgeballs checked for proper inflation and no tears
- •Cones positioned safely away from playing area when not marking boundaries
- •Bibs clean and in good condition for clear team identification
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to head/face area
- •Collisions during ball collection
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Over-competitive behaviour leading to unsafe play
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict below-shoulder throwing rule consistently enforced
- •Clear court boundaries and dead zone rules to prevent collisions
- •Emphasis on controlled movement and spatial awareness
- •Strong focus on fair play and sportsmanship throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all courts during multiple games
- •Actively monitor throwing height and rule compliance
- •Watch for over-competitive behaviour and intervene early
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately for any injury, assess, and provide appropriate first aid or support