Lesson 5 - Catching at Different Heights
Tactical Awareness Skills
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
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How can we use our catching skills to help our team succeed in dodgeball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop catching a dodgeball at different heights
- To apply simple tactics to make catching more effective
- To identify successful catching techniques and areas for improvement
Key Outcomes
- Students will catch balls thrown at various heights with improved technique
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in dodgeball situations
- Students will evaluate their own performance and identify improvement strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in end zones of courts for final game
Alternative: Mats or marked lines for end zones
Mark boundaries and court divisions clearly
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Check all balls are properly inflated and safe
Alternative: Soft foam balls or playground balls
Place flat on ground for target practice
Alternative: Drawn circles or rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready
Using both hands together to secure the ball safely
Following the ball's path with your eyes from release to catch
Calling to teammates to coordinate tactics and ball movement
Planned strategies to gain advantage over opponents
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with two hands
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Basic dodgeball rules and safety
Current Skills
- Catching balls at varying heights
- Moving feet to position for catches
- Using tactics in game situations
- Self-evaluation of performance
Next Steps
- Advanced dodgeball tactics and strategies
- Catching under pressure in competitive games
- Leading team tactics and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-handed catching is essential for control and safety
- Eyes must track the ball from thrower to catcher
- Ready position with bent knees enables quick movement
- Communication is vital for team success in dodgeball
- Finger position changes based on ball height (up for high, down for low)
- Move feet to position body behind the ball
- Strong grip needed when catching under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- One hand is sufficient for catching - emphasise two hands always
- Looking away from ball during catch - stress continuous visual tracking
- Standing still and reaching - teach moving feet to ball
- Silent play is acceptable - highlight communication importance
- Same catching technique for all heights - show adaptive hand positions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks built in, clear visual boundaries
dyspraxia
- Slower ball speeds initially, larger targets for success, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, supportive partner work
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent language and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for ball direction, buddy system for positioning, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for game changes
physical disability
- Seated catching variations, modified throwing distances, alternative roles in team games, adapted equipment if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using descriptive language for technique feedback, developing vocabulary for team communication, listening skills during reflection
Maths
Counting successful catches and scores, measuring distances between hoops, calculating angles of ball trajectory, collecting data on team performance
Science
Understanding forces in ball throwing and catching, gravity effects on ball bounce, reaction times and reflexes, physics of ball trajectory
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure positively, communication skills, building resilience and perseverance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activities for optimal observation, position at corner of courts during games
Observation Focus
Watch for two-handed catching technique, communication between teammates, tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns arise, support struggling students with catching technique, encourage positive team communication
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate catching with exaggerated technique - show finger positions clearly, emphasise eye tracking, model clear communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Two hands make a bigger target!'
- •'Watch the ball from hand to hand!'
- •'Call your teammate's name!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles for dodgeball games
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all dodgeballs are soft foam and properly inflated
- •Ensure benches are stable and positioned safely
- •Verify hoops are flat and not warped or cracked
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to face or body
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips when moving quickly to catch
- •Tripping over equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Use only soft foam dodgeballs appropriate for age group
- •Establish clear court boundaries and enforce them
- •Teach safe catching technique with two hands
- •Ensure adequate spacing between activities
- •Stop play immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts and activities
- •Monitor high-energy game phases closely
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact support if needed