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Lesson 3 - Advanced Catching Skills

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

When should I risk catching a dodgeball and when is it wiser to dodge?

Learning Objectives

To develop catching skills for balls thrown at low levels and at pace
To make tactical decisions about when to attempt a catch versus when to dodge
To demonstrate understanding of dodgeball rules and accept officials' decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will catch low balls thrown at pace with improved technique
Students will make informed decisions about catching versus dodging based on game situation
Students will show good sportsmanship and understanding of rules throughout gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

7 balls per court

Place balls on centre line of each court

Alternative: Foam balls, soft play balls for safety

Markers Cones

22 cones

Create clear boundaries for 2-3 courts depending on space

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, existing court markings

Bibs

2 sets per court (different colours)

Distribute before team selection

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

Stopwatch

For timing game rounds and transitions

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Pace

The speed at which the ball is thrown, requiring quick reactions

Soft hands

Catching technique where hands give slightly on impact to absorb the ball's force

Low catch

Catching a ball below chest height with fingers pointing downward

Tactical decision

Choosing the best action based on the game situation to help your team

Split-second timing

Making very quick decisions with limited thinking time

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching technique with two hands
Understanding of dodgeball basic rules
Experience with throwing and dodging in dodgeball

Current Skills

Catching low balls at pace
Making tactical catching decisions
Advanced rule understanding and acceptance

Next Steps

Advanced dodgeball strategies and team tactics
Leadership roles in officiating games
Creating and adapting dodgeball variations

Milestone Indicators

Confident catching technique under pressure

Clear explanation of tactical decision-making

Consistent demonstration of fair play

Key Teaching Points

Soft hands catching technique prevents ball rebounds and improves success rates
Fingers down for low catches, fingers up for high catches - quick decision essential
Weight on balls of feet in ready position enables quick reactions and movement
Strategic decision-making considers ball speed, accuracy, distance, and game situation
Successful catches in dodgeball provide massive team advantages - worth the risk when conditions are right
Sportsmanship includes accepting decisions, following rules consistently, and supporting teammates
Progressive challenge building develops confidence alongside technical skill improvement

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: All catches should be attempted - Correction: Smart players choose when to catch based on success probability
Misconception: Hard hands are stronger for catching - Correction: Soft hands absorb impact and prevent rebounds
Misconception: Only successful catches matter - Correction: Good decision-making includes choosing when NOT to catch
Misconception: Rules are negotiable in games - Correction: Consistent rule following ensures fairness for everyone
Misconception: Fast throwing always beats good catching - Correction: Accurate, well-timed throws are more effective than wild speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks incorporated, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Simplified catching progressions, extra practice time, larger/softer balls, reduced complexity in multi-step activities

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, designated quiet spaces available, consistent routines, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for all instructions, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile court boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game instructions, written rule summaries available

physical disability

Modified catching positions (seated options), adapted throwing distances, alternative scoring methods, peer support systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, explanation of tactical thinking, communication during team discussions

Maths

Scoring systems, probability of successful catches, geometric positioning on courts, time measurement during games

Science

Force and motion in ball throwing, reaction times and nervous system, physics of catching and momentum

PSHE

Decision-making skills, accepting decisions and authority, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during games, central position during instruction, corner positioning for maximum court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for catching technique maintenance under pressure, note decision-making quality, monitor sportsmanship and rule compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when throws become unsafe, support students struggling with decision-making, mediate any rule disputes

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate catching technique from side angle for clear visibility, use exaggerated movements to show key points, contrast good and poor technique clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball!'
•'Soft hands!'
•'Quick decision!'
•'Is this a good catch to attempt?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 30m for multiple courts

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs for proper inflation and no damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bibs are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or head area
•Collisions between students during active games
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during intense game play

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled throwing - aim for body, not head
•Establish clear court boundaries and safe zones
•Progressive skill building before full game intensity
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor for appropriate throwing force and targets
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required