Lesson 4 - Jumping, Dodging and Ducking
Tactical Awareness Skills
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use different body movements to anticipate and avoid incoming balls in dynamic game situations?
Learning Objectives
- To develop jumping, dodging and ducking skills to avoid being hit by balls
- To apply evasive movements effectively in competitive game situations
- To demonstrate fair play and self-management in team games
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled jumping, dodging and ducking movements
- Students will apply evasive skills strategically in dodgeball games
- Students will show honest play and effective game management
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to mark boundaries and divide playing areas clearly
Alternative: Markers, bibs laid flat, painted lines
Check for appropriate firmness - should not cause injury but maintain bounce
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags, tennis balls for beginners
Clear area in front of wall for partner target practice
Alternative: Gym mats stood upright, fence, large target boards
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to one side to avoid being hit by the ball
Quickly dropping down low to avoid a ball going overhead
Standing with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction
The central area between teams where balls are placed and players must cross
Watching the game and predicting what will happen next
Playing honestly and managing your own participation without teacher intervention
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Simple dodging movements in stationary positions
Current Skills
- Jumping with control for ball evasion
- Dodging using directional changes
- Ducking quickly to avoid balls
- Reading game situations to choose appropriate evasive action
Next Steps
- Advanced dodgeball tactics and team strategies
- Combining catching and dodging skills
- Leadership roles in team game management
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position with knees bent is fundamental to all evasive movements
- Keep head up to track ball and anticipate movements needed
- Emphasise controlled, gentle throwing in practice activities
- Honest play and self-management are as important as physical skills
- Different evasive movements are effective for different ball trajectories
- Game awareness and anticipation improve dodging effectiveness
- Quality of movement is more important than speed
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'I need to throw as hard as possible to get people out' - Correction: 'Controlled, accurate throws are more effective and safer'
- Misconception: 'Standing still makes me harder to hit' - Correction: 'Moving targets are actually harder to hit if you stay in ready position'
- Misconception: 'Jumping is always the best way to avoid the ball' - Correction: 'Different movements work better for different ball heights and speeds'
- Misconception: 'It doesn't matter if I call myself when hit' - Correction: 'Honest play makes games more fun and fair for everyone'
- Misconception: 'I should always run through the dead zone immediately when hit' - Correction: 'Watch the game and wait for a good opportunity'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use movement as positive outlet
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter balls initially, reduce complexity of movement combinations, allow extra practice time for skills
autism spectrum
- Provide clear game structure and routines, use visual schedule for lesson progression, allow breaks if overstimulated
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide audio cues for ball location, pair with sighted buddy for games
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstrate all movements clearly, provide written game rules
physical disability
- Seated dodging variations, use lighter balls, modify throwing distances, allow wheelchair accessible routes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for throwing (6m), calculating team sizes (division), timing activities and analysing patterns in movement
Science
Forces and motion in jumping and dodging, reaction times and nervous system responses, trajectory and angles of ball flight
Geography
Directional movement (north/south/east/west), spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns around the playing area
PSHE
Fair play and honesty, managing emotions in competitive situations, cooperation and team self-management skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activity areas for maximum visibility, position between groups during games
Observation Focus
Monitor technique quality in evasive movements, watch for honest play, check for appropriate challenge levels
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, support students struggling with self-management, adjust difficulty if activities too easy/hard
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate ready position for visibility, show clear differences between jump/dodge/duck movements, model honest calling when hit
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
- •'Head up, watch the ball!'
- •'Honest play makes better games!'
- •'Quick feet, quick thinking!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear space for large group activities, wall space for partner work
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from water or debris, appropriate for running and rapid direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are appropriate firmness - firm enough for activity but not overly hard
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify wall space is clear of protruding objects
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during rapid dodging movements
- •Falls from quick direction changes
- •Ball impacts to head or face
- •Over-competitive behaviour leading to unsafe play
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled throwing in all activities
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe zones
- •Teach proper ready position to prevent falls
- •Monitor for over-competitive behaviour and address immediately
- •Ensure appropriate spacing between players
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor throwing force and accuracy
- •Watch for honest play and fair self-management
- •Check students maintaining ready position
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have alternative activities ready for students who need to sit out