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Lesson 3 - Dodging and Evasion Skills

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 choose the best dodging movement to avoid being hit by different types of throws?

Learning Objectives

To use jumps, dodges and ducks effectively to avoid being hit
To select appropriate dodging skills based on ball trajectory and speed
To maintain awareness while dodging in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident dodging skills in game situations
Students will explain why they chose specific dodging movements
Students will show improved reaction time and spatial awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use for marking boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Dodgeball

Soft balls appropriate for age group, evenly distributed

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

A quick sideways movement to avoid the ball

Duck

Quickly lowering the body to go under the ball

Jump

Leaving the ground to avoid a low ball

Ready position

Knees bent, on balls of feet, ready to move any direction

Trajectory

The path the ball travels through the air

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and jumping movements
Simple direction changes
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Specific dodging techniques (jump, dodge, duck)
Reading ball trajectory and selecting appropriate response
Maintaining awareness in dynamic game situations

Next Steps

Advanced dodging combinations
Throwing while moving
Team dodging strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of knees bent ready position

Quick reactions to visual cues

Successful dodging in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Maintain ready position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet throughout games
Keep head up and eyes tracking ball trajectory at all times for effective dodging
Select appropriate dodging technique based on ball height and speed (jump for low, duck for high, dodge for direct)
Communicate with teammates about incoming threats and support through catching
Demonstrate excellent sportsmanship especially when rules require team switching
Use quick, decisive movements rather than hesitant reactions when dodging
Maintain spatial awareness to avoid collisions while focusing on incoming balls

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging is just about being fast - requires technique selection and timing
Believing turning away protects you - actually makes you more vulnerable to hits
Assuming all dodges should be dramatic - small, quick movements often more effective
Thinking teamwork doesn't matter in dodgeball - catching saves teammates and communication is vital
Believing being hit means you failed - it's part of learning and improving skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear role definitions, fidget tools when waiting, positive behaviour reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls, reduced throwing distances, extra time for position changes, simplified game rules initially

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, consistent routines and rules, advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, audio cues for throw warnings, buddy system for guidance, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule cards, ensure clear line of sight to teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Seated dodging version with softer balls, modified throwing distances, larger target areas, alternative roles like referee

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles of throws, measuring court dimensions, timing activities, counting catches and hits

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction time and reflexes, physics of jumping and landing

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court layouts and player movements

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter to observe all students, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, reaction times, decision-making under pressure, and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, safety rules ignored, or negative behaviour occurs

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate ready position with knees bent, show each dodging movement slowly then at full speed, model positive reactions to being hit

Verbal Cues

•'Stay bouncy and ready!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Quick feet, quick thinking!'
•'Which dodge will work best here?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, dodgeball court preferred

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs appropriate for age group checked for damage
•Cones placed away from playing area when not in use
•Ensure balls properly inflated but not over-inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to face/head
•Collisions between students
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-shoulders hitting rule enforced
•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Progressive skill building from controlled to game situations
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum court visibility during games
•Monitor throwing force and target areas closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately for any injury, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear access for emergency services if required