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Lesson 4 - Jumping, Dodging and Ducking

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 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

Cones

Use to mark boundaries and divide playing areas clearly

Alternative: Markers, bibs laid flat, painted lines

Dodgeball

Check for appropriate firmness - should not cause injury but maintain bounce

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags, tennis balls for beginners

Wall Space

1 wall minimum 10m long

Clear area in front of wall for partner target practice

Alternative: Gym mats stood upright, fence, large target boards

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

Moving quickly to one side to avoid being hit by the ball

Duck

Quickly dropping down low to avoid a ball going overhead

Ready Position

Standing with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Dead Zone

The central area between teams where balls are placed and players must cross

Anticipation

Watching the game and predicting what will happen next

Self-Management

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

Consistent use of ready position with bent knees

Quick reaction times to incoming balls

Appropriate selection of jump, dodge or duck movements

Honest self-assessment when hit

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