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Lesson 3 - Catching Skills Under Pressure

Striking & Fielding Basics

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Year 5

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Danish Longball

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59 min

Big Question

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

Dodgeball

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Check balls are properly inflated and not too hard

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing softer equipment

Cones

20-30

Use to mark court boundaries and safe zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

4-6 different colours

Ensure clear team identification for multiple games

Alternative: House colours, temporary team markers

Sun Markers

For tracking scores and explaining tactics

Alternative: Flip chart, pre-made score sheets

Key Vocabulary

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball

Decision making

Quickly choosing the best action based on the situation

Tactical awareness

Understanding how individual actions affect team success

Risk assessment

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

Consistent soft-hand catching technique

Quick decision making between catch and dodge

Positive response to being eliminated

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