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Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Fair Play

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 understanding and following rules make games more enjoyable and fair for everyone?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the fundamental rules of dodgeball in game situations
To demonstrate fair play and honesty throughout competitive activities
To develop quick reactions and decision-making skills in dynamic game scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply dodgeball rules during gameplay
Students will demonstrate honest behaviour when hit or making catches
Students will show improved tactical awareness and positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used to mark dead zone, end zones, and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or boundary lines

Dodgeball

Soft, appropriately sized balls - check inflation and condition before use

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

Bibs

15 (optional)

To clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Different coloured equipment or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Dead Zone

The central area of the court where only hands are allowed, where balls are placed at game start

End Zone

The area at each end of the court where teams start and must return balls before using them

Live Ball

A ball that hasn't bounced or hit walls/ceiling and can eliminate players when it hits them

Dead Ball

A ball that has bounced or hit surfaces and cannot eliminate players

Fair Play

Playing honestly, following rules, and treating opponents with respect

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and boundaries
Experience with simple team games and following rules

Current Skills

Application of dodgeball-specific rules and regulations
Quick reaction times and agility movements
Fair play principles and honest self-assessment

Next Steps

Advanced dodgeball tactics and team strategies
Leadership roles in officiating games
Applying fair play principles to other invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Students self-regulate and admit when hit without prompting

Games flow smoothly with minimal referee intervention

Students demonstrate tactical thinking in positioning and throwing

Key Teaching Points

Dead zone rule is fundamental - only hands allowed in this area for safety and fairness
Shoulder height rule prevents dangerous throws and ensures inclusive play
Fair play and honesty are more important than winning - celebrate good sportsmanship
Tactical positioning enhances both offensive and defensive play
Quick reactions and ready position are key skills for dodgeball success
Live vs dead ball concepts ensure fair elimination rules
Team cooperation and communication improve game quality for everyone

Common Misconceptions

All hits count regardless of ball status - clarify live ball requirements
Throwing harder is always better - emphasise accuracy and tactical placement
Individual skill is most important - highlight team cooperation and positioning
Rules don't matter if no one sees - reinforce self-regulation and honesty
Catching is too difficult - provide progressive practice and encouragement
Dead zone is just for ball storage - explain its tactical importance in game flow

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game duration, clear role definitions, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified game versions, extra practice time, peer support partners

autism spectrum

Clear visual rule charts, consistent routines, quiet zones available, predictable game structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts, written rule cards, clear visual demonstrations of all rules

physical disability

Modified throwing positions, larger/softer balls, reduced court size, alternative elimination rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, explaining rules to others, using specific vocabulary accurately

Maths

Counting scores and time, understanding spatial concepts like boundaries and positioning, calculating team strategies

Science

Understanding forces in ball throwing, reaction times and nervous system responses, physics of ball flight and impacts

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, dealing with competitive pressure, cooperation and team work, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between game areas to monitor rule application, safety, and fair play

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent rule application, appropriate throwing force, and sportsmanship behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety violations, help resolve rule disputes quickly, celebrate excellent fair play examples

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule demonstrations, model honest reactions to being hit, show tactical positioning examples

Verbal Cues

•'Remember - below the shoulders!'
•'Hands only in the dead zone!'
•'Great honest play!'
•'Spread out to make harder targets!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space with defined boundaries, suitable for multiple 3v3 games

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from obstacles, with adequate run-off areas around courts

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are appropriately inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify all equipment is appropriate size for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head and face area
•Collisions when running to collect balls
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Competitive behaviour leading to rough play

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce shoulder-height rule consistently throughout
•Establish clear running lanes and collision avoidance
•Use appropriately soft balls for age group
•Emphasise fair play and controlled throwing force
•Maintain adequate spacing between game areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all active games
•Monitor throwing force and target areas closely
•Watch for signs of frustration or competitive tension
•Intervene quickly if rule violations or disputes arise

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if necessary