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Lesson 5 - Catching at Different Heights

Tactical Awareness Skills

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Year 4

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Benches

Place in end zones of courts for final game

Alternative: Mats or marked lines for end zones

Cones

Mark boundaries and court divisions clearly

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Dodgeball

Check all balls are properly inflated and safe

Alternative: Soft foam balls or playground balls

Hoops

Place flat on ground for target practice

Alternative: Drawn circles or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

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

Two-handed catch

Using both hands together to secure the ball safely

Tracking

Following the ball's path with your eyes from release to catch

Communication

Calling to teammates to coordinate tactics and ball movement

Tactics

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

Consistently catches balls after one bounce

Shows tactical awareness in positioning

Communicates effectively with teammates

Demonstrates resilience when unsuccessful

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