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Lesson 1 - Dodgeball Skills and Leadership

Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball

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Year 6

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Leadership

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Big Question

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

Softballs

11 balls

Ensure balls are soft enough for safe body contact

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for throwing practice

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Cones

20 cones

For boundaries and target practice

Alternative: Markers, spots

Hoops

8-10 hoops

Ground targets for throwing accuracy practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm above shoulder height for power and accuracy

Dodging

Quick movement to avoid being hit by changing direction rapidly

Communication

Clear verbal and non-verbal signals to coordinate team actions

Elimination

Being temporarily removed from play after being hit by the ball

Target area

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

Consistent accurate throwing below waist height

Effective communication during game pressure

Demonstrating resilience when facing elimination

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