Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Rules and Application
Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
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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
Used to mark dead zone, end zones, and court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, line tape for court boundaries
Check balls are properly inflated and safe for throwing
Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for younger students
Clear team identification for fair play
Alternative: Different coloured equipment to distinguish teams
Key Vocabulary
The central area of the court where only hands are allowed
The starting area at each end of the court where teams begin
A ball that hasn't bounced or hit walls/ceiling and can get players out
A ball that has bounced or hit surfaces and cannot get players out
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
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