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Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Basic Game Play

Tactical Awareness Skills

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Year 4

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Dodgeball

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55 min

Big Question

How can we use rules to create fair and exciting games that everyone can enjoy?

Learning Objectives

To learn and understand the fundamental rules of dodgeball
To be able to apply dodgeball rules to maintain fair game play
To develop throwing, catching and dodging skills in a game context

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of dodgeball rules through game play
Students will show improved accuracy in throwing below shoulder height
Students will display good sportsmanship and honesty during games

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

Place balls along the dead zone line before each game

Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for younger students

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries, dead zone, and end zones clearly

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines on playground

Key Vocabulary

Dead Zone

The central area of the court where only hands are allowed, where balls are placed at game start

End Zone

The area where teams start at each end of the court

Live Ball

A ball that hasn't touched the ground or bounced, which can get players out

Dead Ball

A ball that has bounced or hit the ground and cannot get players out

Hit

When a live ball touches a player below the shoulders, getting them out

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Ability to move with spatial awareness

Current Skills

Dodgeball-specific rules application
Target throwing with accuracy
Defensive catching and dodging

Next Steps

Advanced tactical positioning
Team strategy development
Tournament-style game play

Milestone Indicators

Consistently throws below shoulder height

Demonstrates honesty when hit or caught

Shows understanding of dead zone rules

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - below shoulder throwing at all times
Only hands allowed in the dead zone
Honesty is essential for fair and enjoyable games
Live balls (haven't bounced) can get players out
Catching returns thrower's team mate to game
First out, first back in maintains fairness
Teamwork and positioning improve success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking any ball contact gets players out - correct: must be live ball below shoulders
Believing all caught balls return all teammates - correct: only one player returns per catch
Assuming dead zone rules don't matter - correct: fundamental safety and fairness rule
Thinking harder throws are better - correct: accuracy and placement more important
Believing arguing improves game play - correct: honesty and acceptance create better games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, closer throwing distances, extra practice time, simplified rules initially

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual rule charts, quiet area available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, audio cues for game starts, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals for game starts, written rule reminders, peer support

physical disability

Seated throwing options, modified court size, alternative roles as referees

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, explaining rules to others, vocabulary development

Maths

Counting points, measuring court dimensions, timing games, angles of throwing

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing, reaction times, gravity affecting ball trajectory

PSHE

Honesty and integrity, conflict resolution, teamwork and cooperation, winning and losing gracefully

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at court corner for visibility of all games, move between courts during game play

Observation Focus

Monitor rule adherence, throwing technique, fair play, and student engagement

Intervention Points

Step in for rule disputes, unsafe throwing, or dishonest play immediately

Demonstration Notes

Always model excellent technique and fair play, exaggerate key points for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Below shoulders only!'
•'Dead zone - hands only!'
•'Fair play makes it fun!'
•'First out, first back!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m court with clear boundaries and adequate surrounding space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify all boundaries are clearly marked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to face or head area
•Collisions when rushing to dead zone
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Disputes leading to emotional distress

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of below-shoulder throwing rule
•Clear dead zone boundaries to prevent collisions
•Emphasis on controlled movements and stopping
•Strong focus on honest play and conflict resolution

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor throwing height and force consistently
•Watch for signs of disputes or dishonest play
•Ensure out players remain in designated safe areas

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required