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Lesson 1 - Throwing and Dodging Techniques

Individual Skills to Team Tactics

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Year 5

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Dodgeball

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1h 4min

Big Question

How can we use precise throwing and quick dodging to succeed in competitive game situations?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate, low throwing techniques for maximum effectiveness
To master dodging movements to evade incoming balls
To understand strategic positioning when attacking and defending

Key Outcomes

Students will throw with accuracy and power at target areas below the waist
Students will demonstrate quick footwork and spatial awareness to avoid being hit
Students will work collaboratively in teams while competing against opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

8-10 balls

Distributed equally between teams at start line

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for practice

Coloured Bibs

15-20 bibs in two colours

Half class in each colour for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnies

Cones

6-8 cones

Mark boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Hoops

8-10 hoops

Placed on ground as targets between pairs

Alternative: Targets marked on ground, bucket targets

Sun Markers

11 spots

Mark positions and create central reference points

Alternative: Chalk marks, small cones

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm raised above shoulder height for power and accuracy

Dodging

Quick movement to avoid being hit by a ball, using footwork and body positioning

Below the waist

Target area from hips down to feet, harder to catch and more effective in dodgeball

Elimination

Being removed from the game when hit by a ball or when your throw is caught

Tactical throwing

Choosing when, where, and how to throw for maximum effectiveness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of simple game rules
Basic spatial awareness and movement

Current Skills

Accurate low throwing for tactical advantage
Advanced dodging with quick reactions
Strategic team play in competitive situations

Next Steps

Complex game strategies and formations
Advanced throwing variations and deceptions
Leadership skills in competitive team sports

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy when throwing at targets below waist height

Quick reaction times when dodging incoming balls

Effective communication and teamwork during competitive play

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing technique with high elbow and body rotation is most effective for dodgeball
Throwing below waist height makes catches much more difficult for opponents
Team communication and cooperation are essential for success in attack and defence
Honest reactions to being hit fairly maintains integrity of the game
Quick footwork and spatial awareness are key to effective dodging
Tactical timing of throws and dodges can give significant advantage
Sporting behaviour and encouragement of teammates enhances everyone's experience

Common Misconceptions

Students often think throwing harder is always better, but accuracy and placement are more important
Many believe high throws are more powerful, but low throws are much more effective tactically
Some students think dodgeball is purely individual, missing the crucial team cooperation elements
Students may assume being eliminated means failure, rather than part of the learning process
Common belief that bigger students always win, ignoring the importance of technique and strategy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide frequent movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback and praise for following rules

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for throwing technique, use larger targets initially, provide step-by-step movement breakdowns

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if needed, use visual schedules for lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game start/stop, demonstrate all instructions visually, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Allow seated throwing position, use larger/lighter balls as appropriate, modify elimination rules to allow continued participation

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for effective throws, measuring distances for optimal positioning, counting scores and tracking statistics during games

Science

Understanding forces and motion in throwing techniques, exploring trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, analysing reaction times in dodging

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on court, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping effective team formations

PSHE

Developing teamwork and cooperation skills, building resilience when eliminated, showing respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter during game play for optimal view of all throwing and catching actions, central position during instruction phases

Observation Focus

Watch for throwing technique application, team cooperation, and adherence to below-waist rule throughout activities

Intervention Points

Step in if throws go above waist height, if students show poor sporting behaviour, or if safety rules are not being followed

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate overarm technique for clear visibility, emphasise low throwing trajectory, model positive sporting behaviour throughout

Verbal Cues

•'High elbow, low throw!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Below the waist only!'
•'Quick feet for dodging!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m with clear boundaries and adequate run-off space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for quick directional changes and sudden stops

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam dodgeballs only - check for damage and proper inflation
•Hoops and cones in good condition with no sharp or broken edges
•Bibs securely fastened but easily removable for safety

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head or face from throws above waist height
•Collision between students during fast dodging movements
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Over-competitive behaviour leading to unsafe play

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of below-waist throwing rule throughout lesson
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activity areas
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Emphasis on sporting behaviour and honest play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during game play to monitor throwing heights
•Move between groups during skill practice to provide individual safety guidance
•Monitor energy levels and competitive intensity throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response, incident reporting as per school policy