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Lesson 1 - Throwing Techniques

Dodgeball Fundamentals

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Year 7

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Dodgeball

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1h 27min

Big Question

How can I develop an accurate and effective throwing technique that gives me an advantage in competitive game situations?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Work well with others in a range of contexts
Demonstrate understanding and interpretation of rules and accept decisions given
Develop an effective overarm throwing technique for game application

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy and technique
Students will apply tactical awareness in attack and defence scenarios
Students will show respect for rules and fair play in competitive situations
Students will work cooperatively in teams whilst competing against opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 balls

Inflated to medium firmness, placed on centre line

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark court boundaries and centre lines clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Bibs

30 (2 colours)

Clearly distinguish teams

Alternative: House colours, different coloured shirts

Stopwatch

For timing games and activities

Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Eliminate

To remove a player from the game by hitting them with the ball

Opposition

The opposing team or players you are competing against

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a high arc

Target

The specific area or person you are aiming to hit with the ball

Accuracy

The ability to hit your intended target consistently

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to move, throw, or defend based on game situation

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from KS2
Understanding of team games and cooperation
Simple throwing and catching techniques

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique development
Tactical awareness in attack and defence
Rule understanding and application

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques and power development
Complex team strategies and formations
Leadership roles in officiating and coaching

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy when throwing at stationary targets

Successful hits on moving targets during practice

Effective communication and teamwork in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing technique: step forward with opposite foot, arm back, throw through target
Accuracy is more important than power - controlled throws are more effective
Low throws below waist height are harder to catch and safer
Teamwork and communication are essential for success in competitive situations
Fair play and sportsmanship must be maintained even under competitive pressure
Safety first - never throw at head height and always follow the rules
Practice and persistence lead to improvement in throwing technique

Common Misconceptions

Harder throws are always better - actually accuracy and placement are more important
Same foot should step forward when throwing - opposite foot gives better balance and power
High throws are easier - low throws are actually much harder to catch and defend against
Individual skill is most important - teamwork and tactics often determine success
Rules can be bent in competitive situations - fair play must be maintained throughout

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game durations, clear boundaries, regular feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, simplified throwing technique focus, extra practice time and patience

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules, quiet zones available, predictable routines and rule consistency

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule sheets, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, modified court sizes, adaptive equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, projectile motion, and body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning, and understanding of court dimensions and boundaries

Mathematics

Calculating angles of throws, measuring distances, counting scores and timing games

Psychology

Reaction times, decision making under pressure, and concentration skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all games, position at corners for maximum visibility of play areas

Observation Focus

Monitor throwing technique application, check target areas for safety, assess teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for head-height throws, unsafe play, or poor sportsmanship

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate throwing technique slowly with clear verbal commentary, use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Overarm technique - step and throw!'
•'Aim low - below the waist!'
•'Great teamwork - keep communicating!'
•'Remember your follow through!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m sports hall or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate quantity of balls to prevent overcrowding

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between players during ball collection
•Slips and falls on smooth surfaces
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-waist throwing rule enforced throughout
•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between games
•Controlled start procedures for ball collection
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all courts simultaneously
•Active monitoring of throwing technique and target areas
•Immediate intervention for unsafe play or rule violations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately on whistle signal, assess injury/situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required