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Lesson 3 - Catching Skills & Decisions

Strategic Foundations

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Year 8

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can you make split-second decisions about whether to catch or dodge a ball to maximise your team's success?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate advanced catching techniques with consistent hand positioning and eye tracking
Make strategic decisions about when to catch versus dodge based on game situation
Show understanding and acceptance of rules and referee decisions in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute catches with proper technique in high-pressure situations
Students will analyse game scenarios to make optimal catching decisions
Students will demonstrate respectful behaviour towards officials and accept decisions gracefully

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

8-12 balls

Check all balls are properly inflated and have no damage before use

Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls if proper dodgeballs unavailable

Dish Cones

22 cones

Set up clear court boundaries and prison zones at each end

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or painted court lines

Team bibs

2-3 sets of different colours

Ensure easy identification of team members during fast-paced gameplay

Alternative: Coloured bands, numbered pinnards

Stopwatch

For timing activities and game periods

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Catching technique

Using proper hand position, eye tracking, and body positioning to secure possession of the ball

Hand position

Forming a secure target with hands cupped and fingers spread to create maximum catching surface

Eye tracking

Keeping eyes focused on the ball from release point until it's caught or passes by

Decision making

Quickly assessing risk versus reward to determine whether to attempt a catch or dodge

Risk assessment

Evaluating the likelihood of successful catch against potential consequences of missing

Strategic catching

Using catches not just for elimination but to bring back teammates and control game flow

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple dodgeball rules
Awareness of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Advanced catching technique under pressure
Strategic decision-making in game situations
Rules interpretation and acceptance

Next Steps

Leading team tactics and communication
Advanced game variations and adaptations
Officiating and coaching others

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate above 70%

Makes appropriate catch/dodge decisions 8 out of 10 times

Demonstrates positive sportsmanship throughout lesson

Key Teaching Points

Catching technique requires consistent hand positioning - maintain 'W' shape throughout
Eye tracking is crucial - watch ball from release to catch completion
Strategic decision-making separates good players from great players
Risk assessment should consider game situation, not just individual skill
Sportsmanship and rule acceptance are as important as physical skills
Team success often depends more on smart catching than aggressive throwing
Pressure situations reveal true skill level - practice maintaining technique under stress

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Catching is just about hand-eye coordination. Reality: Strategic thinking and decision-making are equally important
Misconception: Always attempt to catch if you can reach the ball. Reality: Risk assessment should guide every catching decision
Misconception: Throwing harder makes you a better dodgeball player. Reality: Accurate throwing and smart catching create better overall gameplay
Misconception: Individual catches only benefit the catcher. Reality: Strategic catches can completely change team fortunes
Misconception: Rules are suggestions in competitive gameplay. Reality: Rule acceptance and fair play are fundamental to sport

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity periods with clear transitions, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Offer additional practice time, use simpler throwing patterns initially, provide verbal prompts for technique, celebrate effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule for lesson structure, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide clear audio cues for court boundaries, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written rule sheets, ensure clear sight lines to teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Modify catching positions (seated/supported), use larger/lighter balls, adjust court sizes, allow assistance as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculate catching success percentages, analyse probability of successful catches, measure court dimensions and distances

Science

Study forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times and reflexes, impact and momentum in catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and trajectories, court mapping and strategy

Psychology

Decision-making under pressure, risk assessment, confidence building and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts maintaining overview of all activities, position at corner for maximum visibility during gameplay

Observation Focus

Watch for proper catching technique, strategic decision-making, sportsmanship, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, technique needs correction, or disputes arise over rules

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing technique, involve students in demonstrations, model excellent sportsmanship throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way to your hands!'
•'Think strategy - is this catch worth the risk?'
•'Great decision-making under pressure!'
•'Remember - accuracy over power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for three courts

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all dodgeballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones are visible and positioned safely
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between players during intense gameplay
•Slips and falls during dynamic movement
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish no headshots rule and enforce consistently
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Monitor throwing force throughout lesson
•Ensure adequate rest periods between intense activities
•Position prison zones safely away from walls

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines across all courts
•Monitor throwing force and target selection
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and rule compliance

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required