Lesson 4 - Catching Under Pressure
Fair Play to Tournament Skills
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
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How can I use strategic catching to gain the advantage in team games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop catching techniques to eliminate opponents in dodgeball
- To understand when to catch versus dodge in tactical situations
- To apply catching skills under pressure in competitive scenarios
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent catching technique under pressure
- Students will make tactical decisions about when to catch or dodge
- Students will apply catching skills to gain strategic advantages in team games
Equipment & Resources Required
Place one bench in each end zone of playing areas
Alternative: Mats or marker cones to define zones
Mark boundaries, zones, and starting positions clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings
Distribute equally between teams at game start
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for adapted versions
Key Vocabulary
Securing the ball with both hands to eliminate the thrower and potentially rescue a teammate
A ball that is in active play and can eliminate players if it hits them
Choosing the best action (catch or dodge) based on the situation and game context
Game moments when opponents are actively targeting you or time is running short
A designated player whose successful catch wins the entire game for their team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with two hands
- Understanding of dodging movements
- Knowledge of basic dodgeball rules and safety
Current Skills
- Catching under pressure with whole body technique
- Tactical decision-making between catching and dodging
- Strategic positioning for optimal catching opportunities
Next Steps
- Advanced catching techniques with one hand
- Complex tactical combinations in team games
- Leadership roles in competitive dodgeball situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use whole body technique - feet, arms, and core working together for catching
- Track the ball from thrower's hand all the way to your catch
- Move feet first to align body with ball's flight path
- Strategic positioning at back of court provides more reaction time
- Pick your catching moments - wait for weaker, more catchable throws
- Communication with teammates enhances rescue and tactical opportunities
- Every successful catch has dual benefits - elimination and rescue potential
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking catching is only defensive - it's actually a powerful offensive weapon
- Believing you should attempt every catch - selectivity and timing are crucial
- Assuming faster throws are harder to catch - sometimes they're more predictable
- Thinking the super catcher should be the most aggressive player - patience is key
- Believing catching is just about hand-eye coordination - whole body technique matters more
- Assuming game pressure makes catching impossible - proper technique works under pressure
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use high-energy activities as outlets
dyspraxia
- Simplify catching technique breakdown, provide extra practice time, use larger balls and reduce throwing speed
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for game rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of game situations, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rules and strategies, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt catching height and distance, use larger or softer balls, modify court size to suit mobility needs
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development around tactical language, descriptive writing about game strategies, communication skills
Maths
Calculating catch success rates, measuring distances for optimal positioning, analysing game statistics and probability
Science
Understanding reaction time and reflexes, physics of ball flight and catching forces, biomechanics of movement
PSHE
Decision-making under pressure, teamwork and leadership, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all game areas, ability to move quickly to support individuals
Observation Focus
Technical catching execution, tactical decision-making quality, team communication effectiveness
Intervention Points
When throwing becomes too aggressive, catching technique needs correction, or tactical understanding requires support
Demonstration Notes
Regularly demonstrate whole-body catching technique, emphasise foot movement and ball tracking
Verbal Cues
- •'Track the ball with your eyes!'
- •'Move your feet to get in line!'
- •'Snatch it into your body!'
- •'Pick your moment - wait for the right throw!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 15m per game, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface suitable for quick directional changes and safe landings
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure benches are stable and positioned safely
- •Confirm cones are visible and not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during dynamic catching movements
- •Falls when attempting difficult catches
- •Ball impact injuries from hard throws
- •Bench-related injuries during mounting/dismounting
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear throwing force guidelines
- •Teach safe falling techniques if catch is missed
- •Emphasise controlled movement around benches
- •Maintain appropriate group sizes for space available
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all catching attempts
- •Monitor throwing intensity and technique
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure bench access is controlled and safe
Emergency Procedures
Standard first aid protocols, particular attention to potential impact injuries from balls or falls