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Lesson 4 - Jumping, Dodging and Ducking

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 I use different body movements to stay safe and successful in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply jumping, dodging and ducking skills to avoid being hit by a ball
To demonstrate quick decision-making when choosing appropriate evasion techniques
To work cooperatively with others whilst maintaining fair play and honesty

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully use a combination of jumps, dodges and ducks to avoid being hit
Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness and reaction times
Students will self-manage games fairly and show good sportsmanship

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries, centre line, and end zones clearly

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines for boundaries

Dodgeball

Check inflation levels - slightly under-inflated for safety, store in central dead zone

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags, or inflatable beach balls for safety

Coloured Bibs

10 per team

Different colours for each team to aid identification during games

Alternative: Different coloured PE tops or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Standing with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to move

Dodge

Quick sideways or backward movement to avoid the ball

Duck

Dropping quickly to avoid a ball coming at head height

Anticipation

Watching and predicting where the ball will go before it arrives

Dead zone

The neutral area between two teams where balls are placed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping
Simple jumping with two feet
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Dynamic dodging movements
Quick directional changes
Reaction to visual stimuli
Ready position maintenance

Next Steps

Advanced dodging combinations
Throwing accuracy while moving
Strategic positioning in games

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ready position throughout activities

Reacts quickly to ball direction changes

Uses appropriate evasion technique for ball height

Shows consistent success in avoiding contact

Key Teaching Points

Ready position must be maintained with knees bent and weight on balls of feet throughout all activities
Throwing safety is paramount - all throws must be below shoulder height and with appropriate force
Decision-making for evasion technique should match ball height - jump for low, dodge for middle, duck for high
Fair play and honesty about hits is essential for game enjoyment and character development
Spatial awareness and anticipation are key skills that improve with practice and observation
Teamwork in advanced games requires communication and strategic thinking as well as physical skills
Progressive challenge from individual to partner to group activities builds confidence and competence

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'The harder you throw, the better' - Correction: Control and accuracy are more important than power, especially for safety
Misconception: 'You should always dodge the same way' - Correction: Different ball heights and speeds require different evasion techniques
Misconception: 'Getting hit means you're bad at the game' - Correction: Everyone gets hit sometimes, the important thing is trying your best and being honest
Misconception: 'You have to move fast to be good at dodging' - Correction: Smart positioning and timing are more important than pure speed
Misconception: 'It doesn't matter if you're honest about hits' - Correction: Honesty makes the game fair and fun for everyone

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks between activities, use positive behaviour reinforcement

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for movements, use larger equipment, reduce complexity of multi-step instructions, provide physical guidance for technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear game structure and rules, offer quiet break area if needed, use visual schedule for lesson progression, maintain consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, assign sighted partner for guidance, use bells inside balls for auditory tracking

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game commands, provide written rule cards, ensure clear sight lines to teacher, use hand signals for communication

physical disability

Adapt to seated dodging position, use larger/slower balls, reduce throwing distances, allow wheelchair users to defend smaller area

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for throwing, counting successful dodges, timing activities, understanding angles of movement and ball flight

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing, reaction times and nervous system, balance and centre of gravity during evasion movements

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competitive activities, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during warm-up for full visibility, move around perimeter during partner work, position at court edge during games for optimal rule monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position maintenance, appropriate evasion technique selection, fair play and honesty, throwing safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, assist students struggling with technique, mediate disputes fairly, provide encouragement for effort over outcome

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, model fair play and positive attitudes, repeat key techniques multiple times throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Knees bent, ready position!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Choose your movement!'
•'Gentle throws below shoulders!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space for full court games, 3m clearance from walls

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and sudden direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are soft and slightly under-inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify all boundary markers are clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head/face area
•Collisions between students during evasion
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion during intense activities

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-shoulder throwing rule enforced throughout
•Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor throwing force and ball height continuously
•Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
•Intervene immediately if rules are broken

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed