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Lesson 4 - Catching Under Pressure

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 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

Benches

Place one bench in each end zone of playing areas

Alternative: Mats or marker cones to define zones

Cones

Mark boundaries, zones, and starting positions clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings

Dodgeball

Distribute equally between teams at game start

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for adapted versions

Key Vocabulary

Catching

Securing the ball with both hands to eliminate the thrower and potentially rescue a teammate

Live Ball

A ball that is in active play and can eliminate players if it hits them

Tactical Decision

Choosing the best action (catch or dodge) based on the situation and game context

Pressure Situation

Game moments when opponents are actively targeting you or time is running short

Super Catcher

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

Consistent two-handed catching under pressure

Clear tactical reasoning for catch/dodge decisions

Effective communication during team defensive plays

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