Lesson 3 - Catching Skills Under Pressure
Striking & Fielding Basics
•Year 5
•Danish Longball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we make smart catching decisions when the pressure is on?
Learning Objectives
- To catch balls thrown at pace and low down with increasing accuracy
- To make tactical decisions about when to catch versus when to dodge
- To demonstrate understanding of game rules and accept decisions with sportsmanship
Key Outcomes
- Students will catch balls thrown at different speeds and heights with improved technique
- Students will analyse game situations to decide when catching or dodging is most appropriate
- Students will show respect for rules and officials' decisions throughout activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are properly inflated and not too hard
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing softer equipment
Use to mark court boundaries and safe zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Ensure clear team identification for multiple games
Alternative: House colours, temporary team markers
For tracking scores and explaining tactics
Alternative: Flip chart, pre-made score sheets
Key Vocabulary
Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball
Quickly choosing the best action based on the situation
Understanding how individual actions affect team success
Weighing up the chances of success versus the consequences of failure
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills
- Understanding of simple team games
- Experience with throwing and catching activities
Current Skills
- Catching under pressure situations
- Decision making in game contexts
- Understanding risk versus reward in catching
Next Steps
- Advanced catching techniques in Danish Longball
- Strategic positioning for optimal catching
- Leading team tactical discussions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Soft hands technique is crucial for successful catching under pressure
- Decision-making between catching and dodging should consider game situation and success probability
- Weight on balls of feet in ready position improves reaction time and balance
- Watching the ball from thrower's hand to catch is essential for success
- Team communication about catching intentions improves tactical success
- Risk versus reward thinking develops tactical awareness and game intelligence
- Positive responses to elimination demonstrate good sportsmanship and rule understanding
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that attempting every catch shows the most effort - explain smart decision-making
- Believing that harder throws are always better - emphasise accuracy and appropriate pace
- Assuming that being eliminated means failure - explain it's part of learning and game experience
- Thinking that only successful catches matter - recognise good technique even when unsuccessful
- Believing individual success is more important than team strategy - develop team awareness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear break points, regular position changes, clear visual boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls, simplified decision-making scenarios, extra practice time for technique, peer support partnerships
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if needed, consistent routines and signals, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning, audio cues for game state changes
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for game instructions, written rule cards available, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking, use visual timers
physical disability
- Seated catching variations, modified court sizes, lighter balls, extended time for decision-making, adapted elimination rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development (tactical, decision-making, sportsmanship), following and giving instructions, articulating reasoning for tactical choices
Maths
Calculating scores and points systems, measuring distances for court setup, understanding probability in risk assessment for catching decisions
Science
Forces and motion in throwing and catching, reaction times and decision-making, understanding impact and momentum in ball control
PSHE
Decision-making skills, accepting disappointment, celebrating others' success, teamwork and communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during whole-class instruction, circulate actively during partner/group work, corner positioning during games for full court visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for soft-hands technique development, decision-making improvement, and positive responses to being eliminated or making mistakes
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, provide technique support for struggling students, mediate any rule disputes fairly
Demonstration Notes
Use contrasting examples - show rigid versus soft hands, demonstrate decision-making thought process aloud, use students as positive examples when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands - let them give!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way to your hands!'
- •'Quick decision - catch or dodge?'
- •'Think about your team - is this catch worth the risk?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum full sports hall or large playground area (20m x 30m) with multiple court spaces
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for movement activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are appropriate softness for age group
- •Ensure balls are properly inflated - not too hard or too soft
- •Inspect cones and markers for damage or sharp edges
- •Verify adequate number of balls to avoid disputes
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or head during catching activities
- •Collisions during dodgeball games and line running
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movement
- •Over-competitive behaviour leading to unsafe throwing
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive skill building from gentle to faster throwing
- •Clear rules about appropriate throwing force and accuracy
- •Adequate spacing between activities and courts
- •Continuous monitoring of throwing intensity
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
- •Regular reminders about safety and fair play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
- •Circulate between courts during game time
- •Monitor high-energy activities closely
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, immediate assessment of any injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes maintained