Lesson 3 - Catching Skills
Dodgeball Fundamentals
•Year 7
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can mastering catching skills and understanding rules transform your dodgeball strategy and team success?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate understanding and interpretation of dodgeball rules and accept decisions
- Develop and refine catching skills under increasing pressure
- Apply tactical decision-making about when to catch versus dodge
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently catch dodgeballs using correct technique
- Students will understand when catching is strategically advantageous
- Students will demonstrate respect for rules and officials' decisions
Equipment & Resources Required
Place 6 balls on centre line for game starts
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for modified versions
Create clear rectangular courts 20m x 10m
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings
Mark 2m x 4m prison zones at each court end
Alternative: Different coloured cones, tape lines
Distribute to identify teams clearly
Alternative: Coloured shirts, arm bands
Key Vocabulary
Securing the ball with both hands before it touches the ground
A designated area where eliminated players wait for potential revival
Choosing the best action based on the situation (catch, dodge, or block)
The correct method of performing a skill
Throwing the ball precisely where intended
The stress of performing skills in competitive situations
Planned approach to achieve team objectives
Instant victory achieved through specific rule conditions
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from primary school
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Basic dodging movements
Current Skills
- Advanced catching technique under pressure
- Strategic decision-making in game situations
- Rule interpretation and acceptance
Next Steps
- Complex team strategies and formations
- Advanced throwing techniques and accuracy
- Leadership and officiating skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Catching technique requires soft hands, balanced stance, and continuous eye contact with the ball
- Strategic decision-making about when to catch versus dodge is crucial for team success
- Rule understanding and acceptance demonstrates maturity and sportsmanship
- Team communication and support creates better catching opportunities
- Progressive challenge builds confidence and skill development
- Positive attitude toward competition enhances learning experience
- Safety awareness prevents injuries while maintaining game intensity
Common Misconceptions
- Catching is always the best option - need to assess risk versus reward
- Hard throws are better - accuracy and appropriate force are more important
- Rules are optional in competitive games - rules ensure fairness and safety
- Individual skill is more important than team strategy - teamwork multiplies individual abilities
- Winning is everything - learning and improvement are the primary goals
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity periods, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks and positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls for catching practice, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal cues for ball location, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule cards available, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching variations, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems for participation
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating scores and statistics, measuring court dimensions, angles of throws and movement patterns
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times in catching, biomechanics of throwing and catching movements
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and zones, directional movement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, respect for rules and authority, building resilience through challenge
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to monitor all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for catching technique development, tactical decision-making, and positive team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, support struggling students, manage competitive intensity
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in showing good examples, maintain high energy and positivity
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands like a cushion!'
- •'Eyes on the ball until it's in your hands!'
- •'Think strategy - when is catching worth the risk?'
- •'Celebrate your teammate's good catches!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Sports hall or outdoor court minimum 40m x 20m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from debris and obstacles, adequate lighting
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam dodgeballs only - check for damage before use
- •Cones positioned safely away from playing areas
- •Prison zone markers clearly visible but not trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face area
- •Collisions between players
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movement
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce appropriate throwing force - power regulated
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
- •Progressive skill building to manage intensity
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor throwing intensity and player behaviour
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and rule adherence
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required