Lesson 1 - Throwing and Dodging Techniques
Tactics & Team Dynamics
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use throwing accuracy and evasion tactics to outmanoeuvre opponents whilst working as a team?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate and powerful throwing techniques for tactical advantage
- Master dodging and evasion skills to avoid elimination
- Apply teamwork strategies when attacking and defending in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective overarm throwing with accuracy and power
- Students will show quick reactions and spatial awareness when dodging
- Students will work collaboratively to support teammates whilst competing against opponents
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are soft and appropriate for indoor use
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for beginners
Use to mark boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots
Place between throwing pairs as targets
Alternative: Large circles drawn on floor
For team identification and warm-up activity
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops
Clearly defined rectangular playing area
Alternative: Cones to mark playing area
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm raised above shoulder height, using body rotation for power
Quick movement to avoid being hit by the ball
Being removed from the game when hit by a ball or caught
The lower body region (below waist) where throws should be aimed
Strategic placement on court to attack or defend effectively
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from Years 4-5
- Understanding of simple game rules and fair play
- Basic spatial awareness and movement skills
Current Skills
- Accurate overarm throwing with power
- Quick dodging and evasion techniques
- Tactical teamwork in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced game strategies and formations
- Leadership roles in team sports
- Complex throwing variations and defensive tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing technique with high elbow and body rotation
- Below-waist targeting for safety and tactical advantage
- Quick, varied dodging movements staying on balls of feet
- Clear team communication during attacking and defending
- Honest self-assessment when hit by ball
- Sporting behaviour and respect for all participants
- Progressive skill building from static to dynamic targets
Common Misconceptions
- Higher throws are better (actually easier to catch and unsafe)
- Soft throws are safer (lack power to be effective in game)
- Dodging means just moving away (should use varied directions and speeds)
- Individual skill is more important than teamwork (success requires both)
- It's okay to lie about being hit (undermines fair play and learning)
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear immediate goals, regular movement breaks, simplified instruction chunks
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls, reduced complexity movements, extra practice time, buddy support system
autism spectrum
- Clear visual game boundaries, structured rules explanation, quiet zone available, consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of game state, pair with sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated throwing version, modified targets, adapted distances, alternative participation roles
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting hits and points, measuring throwing distances, calculating team scores and success rates
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, reaction times and nervous system responses
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, managing competitive emotions and disappointment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, position near active throwing areas during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, safe targeting, honest gameplay, and effective teamwork
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, poor sporting behaviour, or if students struggling with technique
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow-motion demonstrations for throwing technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'High elbow, bent arm!'
- •'Aim low and throw hard!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Play fair and be honest!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles and with safe boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate space around playing area
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are soft and appropriate for age group
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify hoops are stable and won't cause tripping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face from high throws
- •Collisions between students during dodging
- •Slips and falls during quick movements
- •Overexertion during high-intensity games
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise below-waist targeting only throughout lesson
- •Establish clear court boundaries and maintain them
- •Use soft balls appropriate for indoor play
- •Monitor throwing power and encourage controlled aggression
- •Regular reminders about honest self-assessment when hit
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor throwing technique to ensure safety compliance
- •Watch for any aggressive or unsafe behaviour
- •Ensure adequate rest periods during high-intensity activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately with whistle signal, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required