Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Basic Game Play
Tactical Awareness Skills
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Place balls along the dead zone line before each game
Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for younger students
Use to mark court boundaries, dead zone, and end zones clearly
Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines on playground
Key Vocabulary
The central area of the court where only hands are allowed, where balls are placed at game start
The area where teams start at each end of the court
A ball that hasn't touched the ground or bounced, which can get players out
A ball that has bounced or hit the ground and cannot get players out
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
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