Dodgeball Activity Guide
Activity Overview
Dodgeball in Key Stage 2 PE develops pupils’ throwing, catching, dodging and teamwork skills through fast-paced games that are easy to organise and highly engaging for pupils. Early lessons usually focus on accurate throwing, secure catching and quick movement to avoid being hit, often using small-sided games to keep pupils active and involved. As pupils progress, they begin to combine these skills more effectively by working as a team, choosing when to throw or hold the ball, and using movement and positioning to stay in the game. Typical Key Stage 2 activities include target throwing drills, reaction and dodging challenges, and structured Dodgeball games that allow pupils to apply skills in a safe and manageable environment.
Below you will find key information on Dodgeball, a free Dodgeball KS2 lesson plan, and a range of resources suitable for teaching Dodgeball confidently throughout Key Stage 2.
Key Dodgeball Information
Age Range
Dodgeball is taught to children at Key Stage 2
❌ Foundation/Reception
❌ Key Stage 1
✅ Key Stage 2
Dodgeball Rules
This free downloadable PDF resource covers the rules of Dodgeball when taught to pupils in Year 4.
Upper Body Weave Illustration
Technical movements are particularly important when playing Dodgeball. This example technique illustration resource demonstrates the upper body weave technique in Dodgeball. Available as a downloadable PDF file.
Free Dodgeball Lesson Plan & Unit of Work
Year 5 Dodgeball
Develop more complex dodgeball skills, including accurate throwing, dodging using weave and leg lift, snatch catch, and defensive blocking for a teammate. Know more rules for dodgeball, including being able to play using varied rules in conditioned games.
Year 5 Dodgeball Lesson 3
- To develop smaller dodges, such as upper and lower body weaves and leg lifts.
- To remember and use previous dodging skills, such as ducking and jumping.
- Explain when and why the weave and leg lift are used.
We are learning: to develop smaller dodging movements like the weave and leg lift
Activity: 10 – second tag and ‘no catch’ dodgeball
Paid Subscriber Content
At the The PE Hub, we offer 24 lesson plans for Dodgeball, covering the whole of Key Stage 2. Lesson Plans are grouped into manageable units of work and designed to make it straightforward to teach Dodgeball to Primary-school aged children.
All our lesson plans come with detailed downloadable resources as standard. We have more than 50 individual teaching resources covering Dodgeball, including extensive video content for illustrating technique, available to paid subscribers to The PE Hub
Dodgeball FAQs
Is Dodgeball part of the primary PE national curriculum?
Dodgeball is not named specifically in the National Curriculum, but it may be taught by schools to deliver expected outcomes at Key Stage 2. Through Dodgeball, pupils practise throwing, catching, dodging and teamwork while applying attacking and defending ideas in a competitive game setting.
Why is Dodgeball a popular teaching activity in Key Stage 2 PE?
Dodgeball is popular because it is easy to organise, requires minimal equipment and keeps large groups of pupils active. The rules are simple to learn, which allows teachers to focus on developing movement, coordination and teamwork skills.
What skills should pupils learn in KS2 Dodgeball?
Key Stage 2 pupils develop accurate throwing, reliable catching and quick footwork to dodge incoming balls. As pupils progress, they learn to work as a team, choose when to throw or pass, and position themselves effectively during games.
What equipment do I need to teach Primary PE Dodgeball?
A basic dodgeball setup includes soft foam balls, cones or markers to define the playing area and bibs if teams need to be clearly identified. Soft balls are recommended to keep the activity safe and appropriate for primary-aged pupils.
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