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Lesson 2 - Advanced Dodging Skills

Tactical Awareness in Team Play

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Year 3

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Soft Dodgeballs

6-8 balls

Distribute evenly between courts

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags

Coloured Cones

16 sets of 4 different colours

Set up in 5m x 5m squares for quick feet activities

Alternative: Coloured markers, spots

Sun Markers

As needed for boundaries

Clear court boundaries approximately 15m x 8m per court

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, existing court markings

SAQ Ladders

4-6 ladders

Place parallel to cone squares for extension activities

Alternative: Rope ladders, chalk ladder patterns

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly and skilfully to avoid being hit by the ball

Court awareness

Understanding your position and the positions of all players on the court

Quick feet

Rapid, controlled foot movements that allow for fast direction changes

Timing

Choosing the right moment to move, throw, or change position

Strategic positioning

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

Consistent dodging success rate of 70% or higher

Evidence of strategic thinking in positioning

Positive team communication and encouragement

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