Lesson 1 - Roles & Dodging Skills
Technical Mastery & Leadership
â˘Year 9
â˘Sport Education
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How can understanding team roles and mastering dodging techniques create a more strategic and enjoyable competitive experience?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the key roles of Sport Education and their specific responsibilities within team dynamics
- Demonstrate effective jumping and ducking techniques to avoid being hit in competitive situations
- Analyse and apply teamwork strategies to enhance collective performance in dodgeball
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully execute their assigned Sport Education role with confidence and competence
- Students will demonstrate correct dodging techniques including two-footed jumping and waist-bend ducking
- Students will work collaboratively to develop team strategies that improve success rates and enjoyment
Equipment & Resources Required
10 bibs placed in central Dead Zone, remaining bibs for team identification
Alternative: Team pennants, coloured bands, or jerseys
Mark court boundaries, Dead Zone perimeter, and team starting positions
Alternative: Cones, discs, or court tape
Define court corners, team areas, and equipment storage zones
Alternative: Marker domes, corner flags
Different sizes for varied throwing challenges and skill development
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, or soft-touch balls
One for teacher timing, one for student scorers/umpires
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand
Attached to clipboards for easy mobility during observations
Alternative: Tablets with digital forms, clipboards with observation sheets
Laminated cards clearly showing role responsibilities
Alternative: Lanyards, badges, or coloured wristbands
Key Vocabulary
The central area of the court where equipment is placed and players must enter to collect objectives
Specific responsibilities assigned to team members including captain, skills coach, fitness coach, scorer/umpire, and equipment manager
A vertical jumping technique using both feet simultaneously for maximum height and balance
A ducking technique where the body bends at the waist while maintaining balance and ready position
Clear, purposeful communication between teammates to coordinate strategies and movements
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic movement patterns including jumping, ducking, and lateral movement
- Understanding of teamwork concepts from previous PE experiences
- Awareness of competitive game structures and rules
Current Skills
- Sport Education role responsibilities and leadership skills
- Precise dodging techniques with correct body positioning
- Strategic thinking and team communication in competitive scenarios
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques and accuracy in dodgeball
- Complex team formations and tactical systems
- Leadership development and conflict resolution in sport
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sport Education roles must be actively maintained throughout the entire lesson, not just during games
- Two-footed jumping technique requires simultaneous take-off, controlled flight, and bent-knee landing
- Ducking technique emphasises waist bend while maintaining visual contact with the ball
- Strategic thinking involves timing, communication, and risk assessment in competitive scenarios
- Safety is paramount - no head shots allowed and controlled throwing speeds must be maintained
- Technique quality should never be sacrificed for competitive success or speed
- Leadership development occurs through Sport Education roles and must be actively coached
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Dodging is just about being fast' - Correction: Effective dodging requires technique, timing, and spatial awareness more than pure speed
- Misconception: 'Sport Education roles are just labels' - Correction: Each role has specific responsibilities that actively contribute to team success and learning
- Misconception: 'Jumping higher is always better for dodging' - Correction: Controlled, well-timed jumps are more effective than maximum height jumps
- Misconception: 'Throwing harder makes you more successful' - Correction: Accurate, well-placed throws are more effective than powerful throws
- Misconception: 'Individual skill is most important in dodgeball' - Correction: Team strategy and communication significantly impact success rates
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide active roles with specific responsibilities, use movement and variety to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter balls that are easier to track, allow extra practice time for movement coordination, provide step-by-step technique breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine within Sport Education roles, offer quiet observation zones when needed, use visual schedules for lesson progression
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide audio cues for ball direction, establish buddy system with sighted partners
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written role cards with picture symbols, ensure eye contact before giving instructions
physical disability
- Adapt to seated throwing/catching positions, modify court size and distances, provide alternative roles focusing on strategy and coaching
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Develop communication skills through role-specific responsibilities, practice giving and receiving feedback effectively, build confidence in public speaking
Science
Understand projectile motion and ball trajectories, explore reaction times and reflexes, analyse biomechanics of jumping and ducking
Mathematics
Calculate success rates and percentages, measure distances and angles in court setup, time management and strategic planning
PSHE
Develop leadership skills through Sport Education roles, build resilience through challenge and failure, practice conflict resolution and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of court for maximum visibility of all students, move strategically during activities to monitor high-risk areas
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application under pressure, safe throwing practices, and effective Sport Education role execution
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, technique breakdown that could cause injury, or role confusion affecting safety
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques clearly and repeatedly, use exaggerated movements for visibility, model positive coaching language for Sports Education roles
Verbal Cues
- â˘'Control your throws - aim for torso and legs only!'
- â˘'Remember your two-footed jumps!'
- â˘'Use your roles to help each other succeed!'
- â˘'Technique first, speed second!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m court with 2m clear safety zones on all sides, indoor sports hall preferred
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, equipment, or debris that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- â˘All balls appropriately inflated and soft enough for safe contact
- â˘Bibs and markers checked for tears or sharp edges
- â˘Cones positioned to avoid collision hazards during dynamic movement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- â˘Ball contact injuries from inappropriate throwing speed or head shots
- â˘Collision injuries during rapid dodging movements and court entries
- â˘Slips and falls during dynamic jumping and ducking movements
Risk Mitigation
- â˘Strict enforcement of no head shots rule with immediate consequences
- â˘Clear court boundaries and Dead Zone markings to prevent collisions
- â˘Progressive skill building from controlled practice to full game application
- â˘Adequate spacing between students during all movement activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- â˘Position for maximum visibility of throwing actions and target areas
- â˘Monitor high-activity Dead Zone area for multiple student interactions
- â˘Circulate during practice phases to provide immediate technique corrections
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any contact injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required