🤾

Lesson 3 - Catching Skills and Decision Making

Tactics & Team Dynamics

•

Year 6

•

Dodgeball

•

Big Question

When should I attempt to catch a dodgeball, and when should I dodge to help my team succeed?

Learning Objectives

To develop catching skills when balls are thrown at pace and at different heights
To understand when it is tactically wise to attempt a catch versus dodging
To demonstrate understanding of rules and accept referee decisions with good sportsmanship

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully catch balls thrown at pace using correct technique
Students will make tactical decisions about when to catch or dodge based on game situation
Students will show respect for rules and officials' decisions throughout gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 (soft foam balls preferred)

Check balls are properly inflated but not hard

Alternative: Large foam balls, playground balls

Cones

22 for court boundaries

Create 2-3 clearly defined courts

Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers

Bibs

2-3 sets of different colours

Ensure clear team identification

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops

Stopwatch

For timing activities and games

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Soft hands

Catching technique where hands absorb the ball's impact by giving slightly

Fingers up/down

Hand position for catching - fingers up for balls above waist, down for below

Tactical decision

Making a choice based on what's best for the team's success

Game awareness

Understanding what's happening around you during play

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly and respecting opponents, teammates, and officials

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with a ball
Understanding of dodgeball basic rules
Awareness of personal space and safety in games

Current Skills

Advanced catching technique under pressure
Tactical decision-making in game situations
Rules interpretation and sportsmanship

Next Steps

Leading team strategy discussions
Officiating games independently
Teaching younger students dodgeball skills

Milestone Indicators

Catches 7/10 balls thrown at pace

Makes appropriate catch/dodge decisions 80% of the time

Accepts all referee decisions without dispute

Key Teaching Points

Soft hands technique is crucial - hands must absorb ball impact by giving slightly on contact
Decision-making is as important as catching skill - smart dodges can be better than risky catch attempts
Sportsmanship includes accepting referee decisions gracefully and supporting teammates
Catching brings tactical advantages - all eliminated players return when catch is successful
Body positioning behind ball flight path improves catching success significantly
Watch ball from thrower's release all the way into hands - never look away early
Team strategy should influence individual catch/dodge decisions

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must attempt every catch - teach that smart dodging is often better tactics
Belief that hard throws are more effective - emphasise accuracy over power for skill development
Assumption that catching is only about hand technique - highlight importance of body positioning and decision-making
Thinking that arguing with referees shows competitive spirit - teach that accepting decisions shows true sportsmanship
Believing individual success is most important - emphasise team benefits of tactical decision-making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Build in regular movement breaks, use clear, short instructions, provide fidget tools during discussion times

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides for catching technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, offer quiet break area if needed, use visual schedule showing lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, use buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure students can see teacher demonstrations clearly, use written rule cards

physical disability

Adapt catching from seated position if needed, use lighter balls or balloons, modify court size and throwing distance

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting catches and points, calculating success rates, understanding probability of successful catches versus dodges

Science

Forces involved in catching - impact, absorption, trajectory of ball flight, reaction times and nervous system responses

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions for optimal catching positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions gracefully, supporting teammates, dealing with competitive pressure and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts for maximum observation, position near any students needing extra support

Observation Focus

Watch for technical skill development, tactical understanding, and positive sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in when throws become unsafe, support students struggling with decision-making, address any disputes immediately

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate catching technique slowly first, then at game speed. Show both successful catches and smart dodge decisions. Model positive reactions to referee decisions

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands - let them give!'
•'Watch the ball into your hands!'
•'Smart decision - think team first!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Fingers up for high, down for low!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for multiple courts, non-slip surface essential

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all dodgeballs are soft foam type and properly inflated
•Ensure no damaged balls with rough surfaces
•Verify cone boundaries are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from throws to head/face
•Collisions between students during game play
•Falls from sudden direction changes
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise throws below shoulder height only
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building before competitive games
•Regular breaks and heart rate monitoring
•Clear rules about gentle throws during skill practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor throwing intensity throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of frustration or unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary