⚾

Lesson 2 - Dodging and Movement

Striking & Fielding Basics

•

Year 5

•

Danish Longball

•

57 min

Big Question

How can I use movement and quick reactions to become impossible to hit in a game?

Learning Objectives

To develop dodging skills with quick, reactive movements
To throw accurately with increasing power and low trajectory
To work collaboratively in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques using quick feet and body positioning
Students will throw balls with improved accuracy and power for game situations
Students will show teamwork and sportsmanship in various group activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

12-15

Distributed around playing area for easy access

Alternative: Soft sponge balls, bean bags

Coloured Cones

16 sets of 4 different colours

Set up in 5m x 5m squares for dodging practice

Alternative: Markers, spots, coloured bibs

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark 2-3 dodgeball courts depending on space

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings

SAQ Ladders

4-6

Laid flat for agility practice

Alternative: Chalk ladder patterns, cone patterns

Stopwatch

For timing rotations and activities

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being hit by a thrown ball

Trajectory

The path a ball follows through the air when thrown

Agility

The ability to move quickly and change direction smoothly

Anticipation

Predicting where the ball will go before it's thrown

Evasion

Skilfully avoiding or escaping from the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Simple movement patterns in different directions
Understanding of team game rules and cooperation

Current Skills

Quick reactive footwork and agility
Evasive body movements and spatial awareness
Accurate throwing under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced game tactics in Danish Longball
Leadership skills in competitive situations
Complex throwing strategies and deception

Milestone Indicators

Consistently dodges 7/10 throws in practice

Demonstrates light, bouncy footwork on balls of feet

Shows positive teamwork in competitive situations

Key Teaching Points

Maintain light, bouncy footwork on balls of feet throughout all activities
Keep eyes focused on ball and thrower, never look away or close eyes
Use quick, small steps rather than large movements for better control
Change direction unpredictably to make yourself difficult to hit
Encourage positive teamwork and sportsmanship in all competitive activities
Throw safely below shoulder height only, with controlled power
Build confidence through progressive skill development from simple to complex

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bigger movements are better - actually quick, small adjustments are more effective
Believing you should look away from the ball - always keep eyes on the threat
Assuming dodging is just about speed - timing and direction changes are equally important
Thinking individual skill is most important - teamwork and cooperation are essential
Believing harder throws are always better - accuracy and placement are more valuable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear breaks, simple instructions repeated, movement breaks between skills

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, slower ball speeds initially, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for starts/stops, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapted throwing distances, seated dodge ball option, modified movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting in multiples during warm-up, measuring court dimensions, calculating success rates and scores

Science

Forces in throwing, friction and grip, reaction time and nervous system responses

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, showing resilience when eliminated

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe multiple activities, rotate between groups during skill development

Observation Focus

Watch for correct dodging technique, positive teamwork, and safe throwing practices

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes dangerous, if students are struggling with skills, or if teamwork breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Show exaggerated dodging movements for clarity, demonstrate safe throwing technique, model positive encouragement language

Verbal Cues

•'Light on your feet!'
•'Watch the ball, not the thrower!'
•'Quick direction changes!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam balls only - no leather or hard balls
•Cones checked for damage and sharp edges
•Court boundaries clearly marked to prevent collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during rapid movement
•Ball impacts if thrown too hard or at head height
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between activity areas
•Emphasis on controlled throwing - no head shots
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles
•Regular hydration breaks in hot weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor throwing technique to ensure safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid protocols, contact office if needed