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Lesson 3 - Catching and Decision Making

Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball

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Year 6

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Leadership

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Big Question

How do we make split-second tactical decisions when catching under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced catching skills under pressure and at pace
To make tactical decisions about when to attempt catches versus dodging
To demonstrate leadership through understanding and accepting rules and decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will catch balls thrown at pace with improved technique and consistency
Students will make informed decisions about when to catch or dodge based on game situation
Students will show mature leadership by accepting referee decisions and encouraging teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

1 per 4-6 students (6-8 total)

Medium-sized balls that are safe but provide realistic catching challenge

Alternative: Foam balls, soft play balls

Cones

12-16

Mark court boundaries and zones for different activities

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Bibs

20-30 in different colours

Distinguish teams clearly for multi-court games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Stopwatch

Time activities and maintain pace of lesson

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Tactical decision

A quick choice made during a game based on the current situation

Catching under pressure

Successfully catching a ball when there is time pressure or game consequences

Soft hands

Relaxed, flexible hands that cushion the ball on contact to prevent bouncing out

Weight on balls of feet

Ready position with body weight forward for quick movement in any direction

Rule interpretation

Understanding what rules mean in different game situations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching technique with stationary balls
Understanding of dodgeball rules and basic strategy
Experience working cooperatively in team games

Current Skills

Catching balls at pace and under pressure
Making tactical decisions about catch versus dodge
Demonstrating leadership through rule understanding and acceptance

Next Steps

Advanced game tactics and team strategy
Coaching and teaching others effectively
Leading team discussions and decision-making

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate above 70% under pressure

Quick decision-making with clear tactical reasoning

Positive influence on team dynamics and game flow

Key Teaching Points

Catching technique requires watching the ball, soft hands, and quick decision-making on hand position
Tactical decision-making involves weighing risk versus reward in game situations
Leadership means accepting decisions gracefully and supporting teammates
Progressive skill development builds confidence before adding pressure
Game rules can be modified to emphasise specific skills and learning outcomes

Common Misconceptions

Students may think they should always attempt catches regardless of difficulty - teach risk assessment
Some believe only successful catches matter - emphasise good decision-making process
Students might focus only on individual performance - stress team strategy and support
May assume dodging is 'giving up' - teach it as a valid tactical choice
Could think catching is only about hand technique - include footwork and positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of activity setup, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify catching distances and ball types, provide seated options where appropriate, focus on decision-making aspects

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development around tactics and decision-making, communication skills in team settings

Maths

Calculating catch success rates, scoring systems, probability of successful catches versus dodges

Science

Forces in catching - momentum, friction, impact absorption through 'soft hands' technique

PSHE

Leadership qualities, accepting decisions gracefully, supporting others, resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around activity areas to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for catching technique, decision-making speed, leadership behaviours, and rule acceptance

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs correction, or conflict resolution is needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration. Show both correct and incorrect examples for contrast. Involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way to your hands!'
•'Quick decision - catch or dodge!'
•'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
•'Great leadership - you're helping your team!'
•'Accept that decision and move on!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 30m for multiple activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, good grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are appropriately inflated and soft enough for safe catching
•Ensure cones/markers have no sharp edges or points
•Verify court boundaries are clearly marked and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face during catching attempts
•Collisions between students during dynamic activities
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise appropriate throwing force - challenging but safe
•Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups
•Teach and enforce proper catching technique
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear rules about contact and physical play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor throwing intensity throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of frustration or aggressive behaviour
•Ensure fair play and appropriate competitiveness

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact information readily available