🏅

Lesson 1 - Roles & Dodging Skills

Technical Mastery & Leadership

•

Year 9

•

Sport Education

•

Big Question

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

Coloured Bibs

20 (minimum 2 different colours)

10 bibs placed in central Dead Zone, remaining bibs for team identification

Alternative: Team pennants, coloured bands, or jerseys

Throw Down Markers

8-10

Mark court boundaries, Dead Zone perimeter, and team starting positions

Alternative: Cones, discs, or court tape

Cones

Define court corners, team areas, and equipment storage zones

Alternative: Marker domes, corner flags

Balls

15-20 (mix of sizes)

Different sizes for varied throwing challenges and skill development

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, or soft-touch balls

Stopwatch

One for teacher timing, one for student scorers/umpires

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Score Sheets

6 (one per team)

Attached to clipboards for easy mobility during observations

Alternative: Tablets with digital forms, clipboards with observation sheets

Cards

30 (6 roles × 5 teams)

Laminated cards clearly showing role responsibilities

Alternative: Lanyards, badges, or coloured wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Dead Zone

The central area of the court where equipment is placed and players must enter to collect objectives

Sport Education Roles

Specific responsibilities assigned to team members including captain, skills coach, fitness coach, scorer/umpire, and equipment manager

Two-footed Jump

A vertical jumping technique using both feet simultaneously for maximum height and balance

Waist-bend Duck

A ducking technique where the body bends at the waist while maintaining balance and ready position

Tactical Communication

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

Students naturally adopt their Sport Education roles without prompting

Dodging movements become instinctive and well-timed

Teams begin developing their own tactical discussions and strategies

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

•'Control your throws - aim for torso and legs only!'
•'Remember your two-footed jumps!'
•'Use your roles to help each other succeed!'
•'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

•All balls appropriately inflated and soft enough for safe contact
•Bibs and markers checked for tears or sharp edges
•Cones positioned to avoid collision hazards during dynamic movement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball contact injuries from inappropriate throwing speed or head shots
•Collision injuries during rapid dodging movements and court entries
•Slips and falls during dynamic jumping and ducking movements

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of no head shots rule with immediate consequences
•Clear court boundaries and Dead Zone markings to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building from controlled practice to full game application
•Adequate spacing between students during all movement activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of throwing actions and target areas
•Monitor high-activity Dead Zone area for multiple student interactions
•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