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Lesson 3 - Catching Skills

Dodgeball Fundamentals

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Year 7

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

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

Dodgeball

12-15 (soft foam balls preferred)

Place 6 balls on centre line for game starts

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for modified versions

Cones

22 for court boundaries

Create clear rectangular courts 20m x 10m

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings

Markers

8-12 for prison areas

Mark 2m x 4m prison zones at each court end

Alternative: Different coloured cones, tape lines

Bibs

30 (different colours for teams)

Distribute to identify teams clearly

Alternative: Coloured shirts, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Catching

Securing the ball with both hands before it touches the ground

Prison

A designated area where eliminated players wait for potential revival

Decision-making

Choosing the best action based on the situation (catch, dodge, or block)

Technique

The correct method of performing a skill

Accuracy

Throwing the ball precisely where intended

Pressure

The stress of performing skills in competitive situations

Strategy

Planned approach to achieve team objectives

Automatic win

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

Catches 7 out of 10 balls thrown at moderate speed

Makes appropriate catch/dodge decisions 80% of the time

Demonstrates positive response to all official decisions

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