Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Skills and Leadership
Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball
•Year 6
•Leadership
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How can effective throwing techniques and leadership skills help us work together in competitive games?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate throwing techniques using overarm action with low targeting
- Demonstrate effective dodging and catching skills in game situations
- Show leadership by communicating effectively when attacking and defending
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently throw with accuracy below waist height
- Students will demonstrate coordinated dodging movements to avoid being hit
- Students will lead teammates through clear communication and tactical awareness
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure balls are soft enough for safe body contact
Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for throwing practice
Different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
For boundaries and target practice
Alternative: Markers, spots
Ground targets for throwing accuracy practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm above shoulder height for power and accuracy
Quick movement to avoid being hit by changing direction rapidly
Clear verbal and non-verbal signals to coordinate team actions
Being temporarily removed from play after being hit by the ball
The space below waist height where throws should be aimed
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from Year 5
- Understanding of team games and basic tactics
- Experience working in groups and following game rules
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with accuracy and power
- Strategic dodging and evasion techniques
- Leadership communication in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical awareness in invasion games
- Leadership roles in organising tournaments
- Officiating and fair play in competitive sports
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise overarm throwing technique with high arm position and follow-through for maximum accuracy
- Reinforce below-waist targeting throughout all activities for safety and tactical effectiveness
- Develop leadership through clear communication and positive team encouragement during competitive activities
- Model and reward honest self-elimination as a demonstration of character and sporting integrity
- Progress from static to moving targets to build confidence and skill application
- Use bonus point systems to reward accurate throwing and strategic thinking
- Create inclusive activities where all students can experience success regardless of elimination
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking high throws are more effective - clarify that low throws are harder to catch
- Believing that throwing harder always means more accuracy - emphasise technique over power
- Assuming leadership means being loudest - teach that clear, supportive communication is most effective
- Thinking elimination means failure - reframe as opportunity to support teammates and show character
- Overarm throwing is too difficult - break down technique into manageable steps with plenty of practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified throwing technique breakdown, extra practice time with individual support
autism spectrum
- Clear, structured routines for each activity, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet zone available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign buddy for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading
physical disability
- Seated throwing version from wheelchair/chair, modified targets at appropriate height, adapted balls (lighter/larger) if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during games, giving and receiving instructions effectively
Maths
Calculating scores and tracking improvements, measuring throwing distances, timing activities and understanding probability in game outcomes
Science
Understanding forces in throwing actions, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, impact and momentum in catches
PSHE
Leadership qualities, honesty and integrity in sport, resilience when facing challenges, teamwork and communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of activity area for maximum visibility of all students, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for technical development in throwing, leadership emergence, and emotional responses to competition
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes unsafe, if students show distress at elimination, or if unsporting behaviour occurs
Demonstration Notes
Show throwing technique with exaggerated movements for visibility, model positive leadership language, demonstrate honest elimination responses
Verbal Cues
- •'High arm, aim low!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Great leadership - you're encouraging everyone!'
- •'Remember honest play shows real character!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m hall space, clear of obstacles with adequate height for throwing
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from equipment and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Use only soft foam balls appropriate for body contact
- •Check balls are properly inflated but not over-hard
- •Ensure bibs and cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face from high throws
- •Collisions during dodging movements
- •Slips during rapid direction changes
- •Emotional distress from repeated elimination
Risk Mitigation
- •Strictly enforce below-waist throwing rule throughout
- •Establish clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
- •Use soft balls only and check inflation levels
- •Monitor emotional responses and provide support
- •Ensure adequate space between activity areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing activity simultaneously
- •Monitor adherence to below-waist targeting rule
- •Watch for signs of frustration or emotional distress
- •Ensure rotation of roles so no student is eliminated too long
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess student welfare, appropriate first aid response and incident recording