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Lesson 4 - Strategic Catching Under Pressure

Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

When should you catch versus dodge, and how can you make smart tactical decisions under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop strategic catching skills to eliminate opponents
To select appropriate actions (catch or dodge) based on game situations
To demonstrate tactical awareness in pressure situations

Key Outcomes

Students will catch balls consistently under pressure to eliminate opponents
Students will make informed decisions about when to catch versus dodge
Students will apply tactical thinking to maximise team success

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

Position at back of each end zone for 'On the bench' activity

Alternative: Cones to mark zones, mats as safe areas

Cones

Mark court boundaries and central dividing line clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for boundaries

Dodgeball

Check inflation levels, distribute evenly between teams

Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Key Vocabulary

Catching under pressure

Successfully catching a ball when opponents are trying to eliminate you and time is limited

Tactical decision

Choosing the best action based on game situation, opponent position, and team needs

Super catcher

A designated player whose successful catch wins the entire game for their team

Live ball

A ball that is in play and can eliminate players if it hits them below the shoulders

Snatching technique

Quickly pulling the caught ball into your body to secure possession

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of dodgeball rules
Experience with dodging movements

Current Skills

Strategic catching under pressure
Tactical decision making
Game situation awareness

Next Steps

Advanced team strategies
Leading tactical discussions
Complex game variations

Milestone Indicators

Successful catches result in tactical advantage

Decisions show understanding of risk versus reward

Positioning demonstrates game awareness

Key Teaching Points

Catching eliminates the thrower AND returns a teammate - double tactical advantage
Use whole body for catching - arms, chest, legs work together for control
Move feet to align body with incoming ball rather than reaching awkwardly
Pick your catches carefully - wait for throws you can realistically catch
Position at back of court for maximum reaction time and catching success
Snatch the ball into your body immediately after contact for secure possession
Team protection of Super Catcher requires communication and spatial awareness

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only hands are needed for catching - correct by demonstrating whole-body technique
Believing all balls should be caught - teach selective catching based on success probability
Assuming catching is individual skill only - emphasise team tactics and protection strategies
Thinking aggressive catching is better - show how patience and positioning lead to more success
Believing dodging is always safer - explain how strategic catching can win games instantly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear visual boundaries, offer movement breaks between static discussions

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier tracking, reduce throwing distance, allow extra time for positioning and reaction, provide physical prompts for technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear game structure with visual rules display, offer quiet zone for breaks, use consistent language and predictable routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal cues for ball direction, assign sighted partner for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written game rules, ensure clear sightlines for lip reading and demonstrations

physical disability

Modify catching position to seated or supported standing, use larger lighter balls, allow catching with any body part including mobility aids

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical vocabulary development, explaining strategic decisions clearly, active listening during team discussions and plenary reflection

Maths

Counting successful catches, calculating catch percentage rates, measuring distances for optimal positioning, timing game durations

Science

Forces involved in throwing and catching, reaction times and nervous system responses, trajectory and physics of ball flight

PSHE

Decision-making under pressure, supporting teammates in challenging situations, handling disappointment when catches are missed, celebrating others' successes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to provide equal attention, position centrally during discussions for maximum visibility and voice projection

Observation Focus

Watch for whole-body catching technique, tactical decision-making under pressure, and positive team interactions during rescue situations

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, if students show frustration with missed catches, or if team tactics become overly negative

Demonstration Notes

Show exaggerated catching technique with clear snatching motion, demonstrate patient positioning at back of court, model positive tactical discussion language

Verbal Cues

•'Use your whole body - not just hands!'
•'Move your feet to get in line!'
•'Watch the ball from hand to body!'
•'Pick your catches - wait for the good ones!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m for two courts with clear boundaries and adequate space between games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick directional changes and safe stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Ensure benches are stable and positioned safely away from active play
•Verify cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to face/head area
•Collisions during quick movements
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce below-shoulder hitting rule strictly
•Establish clear boundaries to prevent overcrowding
•Monitor throwing force - balls should be catchable
•Ensure adequate rest periods between intense games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both courts simultaneously
•Monitor benched players for safe movement to positions
•Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration
•Referee games actively to maintain fair play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess injuries with appropriate first aid, ensure clear pathways for emergency access