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Lesson 3 - Rolling and Diving Techniques

Technical Mastery & Leadership

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Year 9

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Sport Education

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Big Question

How can advanced movement techniques transform your defensive capabilities in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

Lead and demonstrate effective warm-up routines for team fitness development
Master rolling and diving techniques to evade ball contact in game situations
Apply tactical defensive positioning and movement patterns during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully lead team warm-ups incorporating sport-specific movements
Students will execute at least 3 different rolling/diving techniques safely and effectively
Students will demonstrate improved defensive success rates in competitive dodgeball games

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15 balls

Store in centre court line for game starts, check for damage before use

Alternative: Soft rubber balls, beach balls for beginners

Team bibs

30 (2 sets of different colours)

Pre-sorted into team sets, readily accessible for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured pinnards, team bands

Crash Mats

2 large mats

Position safely away from walls, check for tears or damage

Alternative: Thick exercise mats, gymnastics mats

Mats

4 mats

Place on flat surface, ensure non-slip base underneath

Alternative: Thin gymnastics mats, yoga mats

Throw Down Markers

8-10 markers

Use to mark court boundaries and special zones clearly

Alternative: Cones, spot markers, chalk lines

Stopwatch

Ensure functioning and visible to all participants

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Cards

4 sets

One set per team captain, weatherproof if outdoors

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, digital display

Key Vocabulary

Pencil roll

A straight-body rolling technique where arms are kept close to sides, rolling sideways across the ground

Forward roll

A gymnastic movement rolling forward over the head and shoulders in a tucked position

Commando roll

A low diving roll to one side, often used to avoid projectiles while maintaining forward momentum

Dead Zone

The area behind the baseline where eliminated players must remain

Evasive manoeuvre

Any movement technique used to avoid being hit by the ball

Tactical positioning

Strategic placement on court to maximise defensive advantages

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and safety protocols from previous lessons
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques in dodgeball context
Understanding of court positioning and basic dodging movements

Current Skills

Advanced evasive techniques including rolling and diving movements
Leadership skills through peer coaching and warm-up delivery
Tactical awareness in defensive positioning and timing

Next Steps

Integration of offensive and defensive strategies in competitive play
Advanced tactical formations and team coordination strategies
Sport Education tournament organisation and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Confident execution of rolling techniques without hesitation

Successful evasion of throws using diving movements in game context

Effective leadership demonstrated through coaching peers

Key Teaching Points

Safety consciousness must be maintained throughout all rolling and diving activities
Peer coaching develops both technical and leadership skills simultaneously
Technique quality should always take precedence over speed or power
Game pressure reveals true technique mastery and confidence levels
Individual strengths should be identified and celebrated rather than standardised
Mental resilience is as important as physical technique in dodgeball success
Reflection and analysis consolidate learning and improve future performance

Common Misconceptions

Rolling techniques are just for gymnastics - actually essential defensive skills in many sports
Diving is dangerous - when performed correctly with proper progression it is safe and effective
Only naturally athletic students can master advanced techniques - all students can improve with practice and support
Individual skills are more important than teamwork - success requires both personal technique and collaborative strategy
Competitive pressure should be avoided - appropriate challenge develops resilience and technique mastery

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include frequent activity changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer additional movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Break techniques into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, use larger equipment where appropriate, provide additional support for coordination

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet break areas, use visual schedule for lesson progression, prepare for sensory considerations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and mats, provide detailed verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure visual contact during communication

physical disability

Modify rolling techniques for seated participants, use larger softer balls, adapt court size and reduce throwing distance

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during instruction, analytical discussion and reflection skills

Science

Biomechanics of rolling movements, forces and momentum in dodging, physics of projectile motion in ball throwing

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court areas, direction and navigation skills

Mathematics

Angles of movement and trajectory, timing calculations for 5-second rescue rule, statistical analysis of success rates

PSHE

Leadership development through peer coaching, resilience building through challenging situations, teamwork and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between activity areas to provide support and ensure safety, position for maximum visibility during game phases

Observation Focus

Watch for controlled technique execution, appropriate risk-taking, and positive peer interaction throughout all activities

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if unsafe technique attempted, provide additional support for struggling peer coaches, manage game intensity

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, emphasise safety points, use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Control first, speed second!'
•'Think before you move!'
•'Use your new techniques!'
•'Safety and support for everyone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 20m for dual court setup, clear of obstacles with adequate safety margins around mat areas

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from hazards, mats properly secured with non-slip backing, adequate cushioning for rolling activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All mats inspected for tears or damage before use
•Foam balls checked for proper condition and appropriate firmness
•Non-slip mats positioned securely under crash mats
•Stopwatch functioning correctly for timing activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision injuries during dynamic rolling and diving movements
•Impact injuries from dodgeball throws at close range
•Slips and falls on mats during rapid direction changes
•Overconfidence leading to unsafe technique attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive skill building from slow to full speed
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Constant supervision during mat-based activities
•Emphasis on controlled technique over speed or power
•Immediate correction of unsafe technique attempts

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear visibility of both courts during dual games
•Monitor mat areas closely during rolling practice
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique quality
•Ensure peer coaching remains supportive and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear evacuation route from activity areas