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Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Gameplay

Confidence Through Skill Progression

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Year 3

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Mark dead zone (centre strip) and end zones (team areas)

Alternative: Spots, markers, or painted lines

Dodgeball

Soft foam balls recommended for safety - check inflation levels

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for beginners

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 colours)

To distinguish teams clearly during gameplay

Alternative: Different coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Dead zone

The centre area of the court where only hands are allowed - balls are placed here

End zone

The area at each end of the court where teams start and must return balls to

Live ball

A ball that hasn't bounced yet - can get players out or be caught

Dead ball

A ball that has bounced - cannot get players out

Hit

When a live ball touches a player below the shoulders

Catch

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

Student can explain dead zone and end zone rules

Consistently throws below shoulder height without reminders

Demonstrates honest play by calling themselves out

Successfully catches live balls during gameplay

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