Lesson 2 - Advanced Dodging Skills
Tactical Awareness in Team Play
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
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How can we use movement and observation skills to become expert dodgers while working effectively as a team?
Learning Objectives
- Develop advanced dodging techniques using quick feet movements and spatial awareness
- Improve timing and decision-making when moving to advantageous court positions
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent dodging skills with improved timing and movement
- Students will show strategic positioning and court awareness during gameplay
- Students will work collaboratively and support teammates effectively
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute evenly between courts
Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags
Set up in 5m x 5m squares for quick feet activities
Alternative: Coloured markers, spots
Clear court boundaries approximately 15m x 8m per court
Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, existing court markings
Place parallel to cone squares for extension activities
Alternative: Rope ladders, chalk ladder patterns
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly and skilfully to avoid being hit by the ball
Understanding your position and the positions of all players on the court
Rapid, controlled foot movements that allow for fast direction changes
Choosing the right moment to move, throw, or change position
Placing yourself in the best location for both offence and defence
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of dodgeball rules and boundaries
- Simple dodging movements and spatial awareness
Current Skills
- Advanced dodging techniques with quick feet movements
- Strategic positioning and timing for offensive opportunities
- Enhanced teamwork and communication skills
Next Steps
- Combining dodging with strategic team positioning
- Advanced throwing techniques with accuracy under pressure
- Leadership roles in team strategy and game management
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Quick feet movements are essential for effective dodging - stay light on balls of feet
- Keep eyes on both ball and thrower to anticipate direction and timing
- Strategic positioning allows for both offensive opportunities and escape routes
- Peer coaching develops both technical knowledge and communication skills
- Continuous movement makes players harder targets than static positioning
- Teamwork and encouragement are as important as individual dodging ability
- Progressive skill building from isolated practice to game application ensures success
Common Misconceptions
- Faster always means better - controlled movement is more effective than frantic running
- Dodging is just about moving away - strategic positioning toward better court areas is crucial
- Only naturally athletic students can be good dodgers - technique and practice overcome natural ability
- Catching and blocking are necessary - pure dodging skills are sufficient and safer
- Individual success is most important - team support and strategy create better outcomes
- Perfect technique must be achieved before game play - application helps develop and refine skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, fidget tools available during instruction time, movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
- Larger targets and equipment, additional practice time, break down movements into smaller steps, visual movement cues
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules for activities, quiet zone available for breaks, consistent routine and timing, social stories about teamwork
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide audio cues for direction, assign buddy system for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written coaching prompt cards available
physical disability
- Seated dodgeball version available, modified court sizes, adapted throwing distances, use of larger/softer balls
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, communication skills during coaching, following and giving clear instructions
Maths
Geometry and angles in movement patterns, measurement of court dimensions, data collection and analysis of dodging success rates
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction time and reflexes, effect of exercise on heart rate and breathing
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping court layouts and strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills development, celebrating diversity in ability
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between groups and courts to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for application of quick feet techniques, strategic positioning, quality of teamwork and communication
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with peer coaching, unsafe play occurs, or skills need modelling
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations whenever possible, exaggerate movements for visibility, connect all demonstrations to learning objectives
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick feet, stay light!'
- •'Eyes on the ball and the thrower!'
- •'Keep moving, find your space!'
- •'Excellent coaching - be specific!'
- •'Great dodge - what made that successful?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 25m x 15m for multiple courts
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Foam balls only - check for damage before use
- •Cones with rounded edges and stable bases
- •Secure court boundary markers
- •Any filming equipment positioned safely away from play area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during rapid movement
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
- •Ball strikes to head or face area
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed
- •Soft foam balls only, no throwing at head level
- •Regular rotation and rest periods to prevent fatigue
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts and activity areas
- •Monitor high-activity periods for signs of fatigue or unsafe play
- •Intervene immediately for any unsafe throwing or movement
- •Ensure equipment is used correctly and safely
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school injury reporting procedures