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Lesson 6 - Whole Body Catching in Dodgeball

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 using your whole body help you become a successful catcher in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

To use your whole body effectively to catch a dodgeball
To apply catching skills in competitive dodgeball situations
To demonstrate respect and good sportsmanship during team games

Key Outcomes

Students will catch dodgeballs using correct whole-body technique
Students will identify when they were successful and areas for improvement
Students will show confidence in attempting catches to help their team

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for creating boundaries and dividing playing areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines for boundaries

Dodgeball

Should be appropriate size for Year 3 hands - not too heavy

Alternative: Foam balls, playground balls, or soft rubber balls

Bibs

For team identification during games

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams

Key Vocabulary

Whole-body catching

Using your entire body to get behind the ball and cushion the catch

Golden catch

A successful catch that allows all eliminated teammates to return to the game

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move

Body positioning

Moving your body to get directly behind the ball's flight path

Cushioning

Absorbing the ball's impact by folding your body around it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
Understanding of dodgeball rules and safety
Experience with throwing techniques
Basic movement and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Whole-body catching technique with proper body positioning
Moving to catch balls at different heights and angles
Decision-making between catching and dodging
Team tactics using the golden catch rule

Next Steps

Advanced catching under pressure
Complex game strategies and team formations
Leadership roles in team sports
Officiating and coaching peers

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of whole-body technique

Confident movement towards challenging catches

Successful catches leading to team advantage

Positive attitude towards both success and failure

Key Teaching Points

Watch the ball constantly from release to catch
Use whole body positioning to get behind the ball's flight path
Maintain ready position with knees bent and weight on toes
Fold body around the ball like a hug to cushion the impact
Move confidently towards catchable balls rather than reaching
Understand the strategic value of catching in team situations
Show respect and sportsmanship throughout competitive activities

Common Misconceptions

Catching is only about using your hands - correct by emphasising whole-body involvement
Good catchers never move their feet - show how movement is essential for successful catches
Harder throws are better for practice - explain value of accurate, controlled throws for skill development
Dodging is always safer than catching - discuss strategic benefits of confident catching attempts
Only successful catches matter - celebrate brave attempts and learning from mistakes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks incorporated

dyspraxia

Simplified catching progression, larger equipment, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of ball flight, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, visual boundary markers

physical disability

Seated catching variations, modified throwing distances, larger/softer balls, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, explaining tactical decisions and reflecting on experiences

Maths

Counting repetitions in warm-up, measuring distances for partner work, timing activities, calculating team scores

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, body mechanics in catching, balance and coordination principles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, showing respect and sportsmanship, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities for maximum visibility, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for whole-body catching technique, appropriate throwing intensity, team cooperation and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, if students show frustration, or if catching technique needs individual support

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique breakdown, show common errors alongside correct technique, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball!'
•'Get your body behind it!'
•'Fold around the ball like a hug!'
•'Ready position - knees bent!'
•'Be brave - go for it!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space for main activities, additional space for warm-up

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for jumping and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are appropriate weight and condition for Year 3
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify adequate number of balls to avoid conflicts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between students during movement
•Overexcitement leading to aggressive throwing
•Students attempting catches beyond their ability

Risk Mitigation

•Clear below-shoulder hitting rule established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between pairs and teams
•Progressive skill building from partner work to games
•Continuous monitoring of throwing intensity
•Emphasis on respect and controlled aggression

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor throwing intensity continuously
•Watch for signs of frustration or unsafe behaviour
•Be ready to pause activities if safety concerns arise

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for injuries, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and ensure other students are safely managed