Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Fair Play
Fair Play to Tournament Skills
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
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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
Used to mark dead zone, end zones, and court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or boundary lines
Soft, appropriately sized balls - check inflation and condition before use
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or bean bags for modified versions
To clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Different coloured equipment or team markers
Key Vocabulary
The central area of the court where only hands are allowed, where balls are placed at game start
The area at each end of the court where teams start and must return balls before using them
A ball that hasn't bounced or hit walls/ceiling and can eliminate players when it hits them
A ball that has bounced or hit surfaces and cannot eliminate players
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
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