Lesson 1 - Throwing and Dodging Techniques
Individual Skills to Team Tactics
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed equally between teams at start line
Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for practice
Half class in each colour for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnies
Mark boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots
Placed on ground as targets between pairs
Alternative: Targets marked on ground, bucket targets
Mark positions and create central reference points
Alternative: Chalk marks, small cones
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm raised above shoulder height for power and accuracy
Quick movement to avoid being hit by a ball, using footwork and body positioning
Target area from hips down to feet, harder to catch and more effective in dodgeball
Being removed from the game when hit by a ball or when your throw is caught
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
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