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Lesson 5 - Blocking and Defending

Fair Play to Tournament Skills

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Year 5

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use defensive skills to protect myself and my team in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

Learn to use a ball to block and defend against thrown balls
Develop tactical awareness for protecting team members
Apply blocking skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper blocking technique with two hands
Students will show tactical understanding in defensive situations
Students will work cooperatively to protect team members

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around court perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Soft foam balls, playground balls

Cones

Used for creating game boundaries and practice areas

Alternative: Markers, rope, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Block

Using your ball to stop or deflect an incoming ball thrown at you

Live ball

A ball that has been thrown and hasn't bounced or been caught

Ready position

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, holding ball firmly

Golden player

A special team member whose elimination ends the game for the entire team

Tactics

Planned strategies used to achieve success in the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of dodgeball rules and safety
Experience with throwing and moving to avoid balls

Current Skills

Two-handed blocking technique
Defensive positioning and movement
Protective tactics for team play

Next Steps

Advanced blocking under game pressure
Complex team defensive strategies
Integration of offensive and defensive skills

Milestone Indicators

Maintains firm grip when blocking incoming balls

Successfully blocks 6 out of 10 practice throws

Uses blocking to protect teammates in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Maintain firm two-handed grip throughout blocking motion
Keep eyes focused on incoming ball, not on surroundings
Use ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent
Move blocking ball to intercept, don't just hold it still
Communicate constantly with teammates about threats and positioning
Play honestly - admit when hit and follow game rules
Protect golden players through positioning and teamwork

Common Misconceptions

Students think one-handed blocking is acceptable - emphasise two hands always
Belief that standing still while blocking is effective - stress importance of movement
Assumption that throwing harder makes blocking impossible - teach about controlled throwing
Misconception that only golden player needs protection - explain team protection concepts
Thinking that cheating is acceptable if not caught - reinforce honest gameplay values

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier handling, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule, allow quiet break area if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of incoming balls, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game start/stop, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations, provide written rule summaries

physical disability

Allow seated blocking position, use larger/lighter balls, modify court size, permit assistance from aide

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team strategy, vocabulary development with sporting terms, following and giving clear instructions

Maths

Measuring court dimensions, counting successful blocks vs attempts, calculating team scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times and reflexes, impact and momentum in blocking

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest and fair play, protecting others and taking responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all activity areas, move between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for proper two-handed blocking grip, legal throwing technique, fair play and honesty

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe throwing, poor sportsmanship, or students struggling with technique

Demonstration Notes

Show blocking technique with exaggerated grip, demonstrate ready position clearly, model fair play and positive communication throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands, tight grip!'
•'Watch the ball, not me!'
•'Ready position - feet apart, knees bent!'
•'Below shoulders only!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court, minimum 20m x 15m clear area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, obstacles, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify all equipment is appropriate size for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from hard throws
•Collisions between students during evasive movement
•Falls when moving quickly to block or avoid balls
•Eye injuries from poor throwing technique

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce below-shoulder throwing rule strictly
•Maintain adequate spacing between game areas
•Teach controlled movement and direction changes
•Use appropriate soft dodgeballs for age group
•Supervise throwing technique continuously

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all game areas simultaneously
•Monitor throwing force and target areas closely
•Watch for students ignoring safety rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed