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Lesson 2 - Dodging & Leadership Skills

Strategic Leadership in Dodgeball

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Year 6

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Leadership

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Big Question

How can I become an expert dodger whilst demonstrating leadership qualities to help my teammates succeed?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced dodging techniques using quick footwork and spatial awareness
To demonstrate leadership skills by providing constructive feedback and encouragement to teammates
To apply dodging skills effectively in competitive game situations whilst working collaboratively

Key Outcomes

Students will execute dodging movements with improved agility and quick reactions
Students will lead others by offering specific advice and demonstrating techniques
Students will work effectively in teams whilst maintaining competitive spirit

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

15-20

Various sizes for different skill levels

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls

Coloured Cones

16 sets of 4 different colours

Each group needs 4 different coloured markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags

SAQ Ladders

5 (if available)

Optional enhancement for agility work

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Bibs

For team identification in dodgeball games

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts

Stopwatch

For timing rotations and activities

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom timer

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being hit by a ball or object

Trajectory

The path a ball follows through the air

Agility

The ability to move quickly and change direction easily

Leadership

Guiding and encouraging others to achieve their best

Evasion

Avoiding or escaping from something through clever movement

Constructive Feedback

Helpful comments that help someone improve their performance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple team games
Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns

Current Skills

Advanced dodging with quick footwork
Leadership through coaching and feedback
Strategic thinking in game situations

Next Steps

Complex game strategies and tactics
Advanced leadership roles in competitive sports
Peer coaching and mentoring skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistently evades thrown balls using varied dodging techniques

Provides specific, helpful feedback to improve teammates' performance

Demonstrates resilience and encouragement during challenging activities

Key Teaching Points

Dodging success comes from quick feet, ball awareness, and constant movement
Leadership means helping others improve through specific, encouraging feedback
Safety in throwing activities - gentle throws to torso only, never to head
Peer coaching builds confidence in both giver and receiver
Game skills transfer from practice - emphasis on technique over competition
Recognition of effort and improvement alongside achievement
Inclusive participation ensures all students develop skills and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging means running away rather than controlled evasive movement
Believing leadership only means being loud or giving orders
Assuming catching and blocking are more important than dodging skills
Thinking competition should override safety and supportive coaching
Missing the connection between individual skills and team success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role definitions, movement breaks built into instruction time, immediate positive feedback systems

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for skill development, peer support partners, larger targets for throwing activities

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson progression, defined boundaries for activities, quiet space available for breaks, predictable routine structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for navigation, textured cones for tactile identification

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game play, written instruction cards, vibrating timers for activity changes

physical disability

Seated dodging variations, modified throwing distances, adaptive equipment for limited mobility, wheelchair-accessible activity spaces

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in coaching situations, precise vocabulary for describing movement techniques

Maths

Counting in multiples during warm-up, measuring distances for square setup, timing rotations and activities

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times and nervous system responses

PSHE

Leadership development, giving and receiving feedback constructively, resilience in challenging situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all activity areas, mobile during skill development phases

Observation Focus

Quick footwork technique, leadership behaviours, safety in throwing activities, inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, support students struggling with peer coaching, ensure all students are included in activities

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent dodging technique with exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate positive coaching language and specific feedback examples

Verbal Cues

•'Light on your feet like a dancer!'
•'Eyes on the ball, quick feet moving!'
•'Help your teammate - what specific advice can you give?'
•'Gentle throws to help, not hurt!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for potential falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam dodgeballs only - no hard balls permitted
•Cones placed securely to avoid tripping hazards
•Regular equipment inspection for wear and damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from aggressive throwing
•Collisions during rapid directional changes
•Tripping over equipment during quick movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing rules - torso only, no head shots
•Adequate spacing between activity areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Continuous supervision of throwing intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor game intensity and sportsmanship levels
•Circulate during skill practice to provide individual guidance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious injury occurs