Lesson 5 - Blocking and Defending
Fair Play to Tournament Skills
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
•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 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
Distributed around court perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Soft foam balls, playground balls
Used for creating game boundaries and practice areas
Alternative: Markers, rope, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Using your ball to stop or deflect an incoming ball thrown at you
A ball that has been thrown and hasn't bounced or been caught
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, holding ball firmly
A special team member whose elimination ends the game for the entire team
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
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