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Lesson 1 - Overarm Throwing and Game Awareness

Tactical Awareness in Team Play

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Year 3

•

Dodgeball

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56 min

Big Question

How can powerful, accurate throwing and smart positioning help us succeed in team games?

Learning Objectives

Develop overarm throwing technique for power and accuracy
Understand tactical awareness of when to attack and defend
Work effectively alongside teammates and against opponents

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique
Students will show tactical decision-making during game situations
Students will collaborate effectively in team-based activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

Place balls along the centre line before game starts

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for safety

Cones

6-8 cones

Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Help students identify teammates and opponents quickly

Alternative: None essential - teams can be designated by court position

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder for power

Accuracy

Hitting the intended target consistently

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to make the best decisions in games

Eliminate

Remove a player from the game according to the rules

Half-court line

The boundary line that divides the playing area between teams

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing and catching
Understanding of simple game rules
Working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique development
Tactical awareness in invasion games
Team cooperation and competition

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques and accuracy
Complex tactical decision-making
Leadership roles in team activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm throwing action

Quick decision-making under pressure

Positive team interactions throughout

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing technique: high elbow, step forward, follow through low
Tactical awareness: when to attack opportunities and when to defend position
Low targeting makes balls harder to catch and safer for players
Teamwork involves communication, support and shared decision-making
Honest self-assessment builds character and fair play values
Practice technique in isolation before applying in game pressure
Accuracy develops through repetition and focus rather than power alone

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder throws are always better - accuracy and placement matter more
Believing individual performance is more important than team success
Assuming being 'out' means failure - it's part of learning and playing
Expecting immediate mastery of overarm technique - it requires practice and patience
Focusing only on elimination rather than skill development and enjoyment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear simple instructions, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced court size, focus on effort over accuracy

autism spectrum

Clear visual boundaries, predictable game structure, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for game control, written rule cards

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated throwing options, alternative roles like scorer or coach

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting hits and points, measuring distances, angles of throwing trajectory

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court areas and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honesty and fair play, managing competition emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with sight lines to all courts, move between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Throwing technique development, tactical awareness, teamwork quality, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe throwing, support struggling students with technique, manage disputes about rules

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate overarm technique slowly and clearly, emphasise key points with exaggerated movements, use students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'High elbow, step forward!'
•'Aim low to make it harder to catch!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or large playground area, minimum 15m x 20m per court

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam balls only - check for damage before use
•Cones stable and visible for court marking
•No hard balls or equipment that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between students moving quickly
•Slips and falls during evasive movements
•Overexertion during intensive game play

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-waist throwing rule enforced throughout
•Clear court boundaries prevent collisions between games
•Gradual build-up from skills to full game intensity
•Regular breaks and cool-down periods included

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all courts simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if necessary