Lesson 4 - Jumping, Dodging and Ducking
Confidence Through Skill Progression
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Use to mark court boundaries, centre line, and end zones clearly
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines for boundaries
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
Different colours for each team to aid identification during games
Alternative: Different coloured PE tops or arm bands
Key Vocabulary
Standing with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to move
Quick sideways or backward movement to avoid the ball
Dropping quickly to avoid a ball coming at head height
Watching and predicting where the ball will go before it arrives
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
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