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Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Application

Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can understanding and consistently applying rules make games more enjoyable and fair for everyone?

Learning Objectives

To recap and consistently apply the rules of dodgeball in game situations
To demonstrate fair play and honest decision-making during competitive activities
To develop tactical awareness and teamwork skills in invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply dodgeball rules throughout game play
Students will demonstrate honest decision-making when hit or making catches
Students will use basic tactics to support their team's success

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used to mark dead zone, end zones, and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, line tape for court boundaries

Dodgeball

Check balls are properly inflated and safe for throwing

Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for younger students

Bibs

15 of each colour

Clear team identification for fair play

Alternative: Different coloured equipment to distinguish teams

Key Vocabulary

Dead zone

The central area of the court where only hands are allowed

End zone

The starting area at each end of the court where teams begin

Live ball

A ball that hasn't bounced or hit walls/ceiling and can get players out

Dead ball

A ball that has bounced or hit surfaces and cannot get players out

Fair play

Playing honestly and following rules even when no one is watching

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working in teams

Current Skills

Consistent rule application in dodgeball
Tactical positioning and awareness
Fair play and honest decision-making

Next Steps

Advanced dodgeball tactics and strategies
Leadership roles in officiating games
Transfer of tactical concepts to other invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Students self-regulate without teacher intervention

Games flow smoothly with minimal rule disputes

Students demonstrate tactical thinking in positioning

Key Teaching Points

Consistent enforcement of below-shoulder throwing rule ensures safety
Dead zone rules must be clearly understood and consistently applied
Fair play and honest decision-making are as important as skill development
Tactical positioning and teamwork enhance both learning and enjoyment
Progressive skill building from simple to complex applications
Positive reinforcement of rule-following encourages continued compliance
Clear communication of expectations prevents confusion and disputes

Common Misconceptions

Players thinking they can throw from the dead zone without returning to end zone
Confusion about when balls become 'dead' after bouncing or hitting surfaces
Believing that harder throws are always better than accurate throws
Thinking that arguing about calls improves the game experience
Misunderstanding the return system when teammates make catches

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Implement shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of rules initially, provide extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, create quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide audio cues for game starts, implement buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts and stops, provide written rule summaries, ensure clear sightlines

physical disability

Adapt to seated throwing positions, modify court size, use larger/softer balls, adjust height requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with sporting terms, verbal communication during team discussions

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of trajectory, reaction time and nervous system responses

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, teamwork and cooperation, handling competitive pressure and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing observation of all activities, move between groups during practice phases

Observation Focus

Rule compliance, fair play demonstration, tactical understanding, skill development

Intervention Points

Step in if rules not followed consistently, address dishonest play immediately, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule demonstrations, involve students in showing correct techniques, model fair play decision-making

Verbal Cues

•'Below shoulders only!'
•'Hands only in the dead zone!'
•'Be honest - did that hit you?'
•'Spread out to make your team harder to hit!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries and adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify court boundaries are clearly marked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head/face area
•Collisions during sprint starts
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Disputes over rule interpretations

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-shoulder throwing rule enforced
•Clear dead zone boundaries to prevent collisions
•Emphasis on controlled movements and spatial awareness
•Proactive rule clarification and fair play emphasis

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of both courts during games
•Monitor compliance with below-shoulder rule
•Watch for fair play and honest decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear safe passage for assistance