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Lesson 1 - Throwing and Dodging Fundamentals

Striking & Fielding Basics

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Year 5

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Danish Longball

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can we use effective throwing and dodging techniques to work strategically as a team?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective overarm throwing technique for accuracy and power
To understand and apply dodging strategies in game situations
To demonstrate teamwork skills when attacking and defending

Key Outcomes

Students will throw with improved accuracy using low, hard throws
Students will demonstrate effective dodging movements to evade attacks
Students will show understanding of team tactics in invasion games

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

15-20

Stored in equipment bag at hall centre for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for reduced impact

Coloured Bibs

30 (6 different colours)

Sorted by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured markers

Cones

Used for boundaries and target practice

Alternative: Markers, spots for smaller spaces

Hoops

Laid flat on floor for throwing accuracy practice

Alternative: Target mats, chalked circles

Sun Markers

Mark central points and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk marks, small cones

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm raised above shoulder height for maximum power

Dodging

Quick movement to avoid being hit by a thrown ball

Low throw

Aiming the ball below waist height to make catching more difficult

Communication

Talking to teammates to coordinate defensive and offensive strategies

Strategy

Planning and coordinating team movements to achieve game objectives

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from Year 4
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working in small groups

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique with power and accuracy
Dodging and evasion movements
Team communication and strategy

Next Steps

Advanced Danish Longball tactics and formations
Leadership roles in competitive games
Complex throwing combinations and team plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throws below waist height

Quick reactions to dodge incoming balls

Effective communication during team play

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing technique: high elbow, body rotation, low trajectory aim
Effective dodging: watch thrower's eyes, quick directional changes, stay balanced
Team communication: constant talking, supporting teammates, strategic positioning
Below waist throwing rule for safety and effectiveness
Honest gameplay: admit when hit, respect opponents and teammates
Progressive skill development: technique before power, practice before game application

Common Misconceptions

High throws are easier to make - actually low throws are harder to catch and more effective
Throwing harder is always better - accuracy and technique are more important than raw power
Individual skills matter most - teamwork and communication are crucial for success
Being hit means you failed - it's part of the game and learning process
Soft balls don't hurt so safety doesn't matter - proper technique and rules still essential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries marked, regular positive reinforcement, additional movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time, simplified instructions

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure with visual schedule, quiet zone available, predictable routine with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated throwing options, adapted balls (lighter/larger), peer support partnerships

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating team scores, measuring throwing distances, angles and trajectories of throws

Science

Forces in throwing, projectile motion, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness, directional language, mapping game strategies and movements

PSHE

Teamwork skills, leadership development, dealing with winning and losing positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Corner of hall for maximum visibility, move between activities during practice phases

Observation Focus

Throwing technique development, team communication quality, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when throws too high, poor sportsmanship, or unsafe play observed

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique teaching, model positive communication constantly

Verbal Cues

•'High elbow, body twist!' for throwing technique
•'Below waist only!' for safety reminders
•'Talk to your team!' for communication encouragement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or large outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate run-off space around playing area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs only - check for proper inflation and surface damage
•Traffic cones with rounded edges only
•Hoops laid flat to prevent tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from hard throws
•Collisions between running students
•Slips and falls during dodging movements
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Below waist throwing rule strictly enforced throughout
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Soft balls only with regular equipment checks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all activities simultaneously
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent dangerous throws
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention required