Dodgeball PE Lessons are perfect for Winter – Our 5 reasons why!
Dodgeball is a versatile, fun and physically demanding game that works well in winter, keeping kids active, engaged and developing important physical and social skills even when it's too cold to be outside.
Right now, you can download free PE lesson plans over at our free PE pages. One sport you’ll find here is Dodgeball – and, we have found that these Dodgeball PE lessons have become increasingly popular since the weather has got colder.
Believe it not, right now, our free Dodgeball lesson plans get more attention than Fitness, Ball Skills and even good old Gymnastics lessons!
But what makes Dodgeball PE lessons so ideal in the colder months of the year? Let’s dive in, and consider why!
1. Dodgeball is predominantly an indoor sport
It’s wet, it’s cold and it’s maybe even snowing outside. That’s not ideal weather for school PE. Although we are confident many of our plans can be delivered in a school hall – Dodgeball can be adapted to accommodate many different spaces. You can even practise some skills in the classroom – with some careful thought. This ensures fun PE lessons for children, whatever the weather is like outside! Classroom PE can even be exciting for children – the change of scenery for PE will add an extra layer of ‘fun’ to the day!
2. It’s energetic and engaging
Dodgeball lessons encourage movement, coordination and quick reflexes… And high-energy activities keep children warm and engaged.
Our modified Dodgeball games, can involve all children, regardless of ability. A huge consideration of ours when writing PE lessons is always MCA… ‘Maximum Class Activity’. Plus with plenty of throwing, dodging, catching… there’s lots of opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills.
3. Dodgeball develops more than just physical skills!
PE lessons are about developing a child’s physical skills. But that’s only half of it… PE is also about building focus, memory and cognitive skills, as well as developing overall mental health!
That’s why Dodgeball PE lessons are great (any time of year!). Children love the fast-paced nature of a Dodgeball lesson – and the fun atmosphere that comes with it. So it’s a great way to keep them motivated and excited about physical activity during the dreary winter months when enthusiasm for outdoor games might lack.
With Dodgeball, children must think quickly and plan their moves. This helps develop problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure.
Dodgeball will also bring out their competitive spirit, in the way a great PE lesson should!
4. Dodgeball offers differentiation and progression
Dodgeball can be modified to suit different class sizes, skill levels and objectives. Games such as ‘Doctor Dodgeball’ with ‘medics’ (able to revive teammates who are ‘out’) and ‘Rescue Mission’ offering lots of opportunity for throwing and dodging are great examples of fun and inclusive modified games. However you modify and play it, though, Dodgeball certainly gets children active and having fun.
5. Dodgeball PE lessons requires minimal equipment
Dodgeball is great for active breaks when PE lessons have been taken over by nativity rehearsal and choir practise! Games can be played in short bursts, ideal for busy December class schedules. Teachers can easily manage time, play quick, energetic games and squeeze skill and movement developments into warm ups and cool downs.
And – there’s only minimal equipment needed – usually just soft balls and cones! Which means less time preparing, and tidying away afterwards. All you need now is a bit of space to play!
Get planning your Dodgeball PE Lessons!
Overall, Dodgeball is a versatile, fun and physically demanding game that works well in winter, keeping kids active, engaged and developing important physical and social skills even when it’s too cold, wet and icy to be outside.
It is even easier to start when you use our Dodgeball lesson plans! You can find them here – or try our downloadable Dodgeball lesson plans from our free PE plans section.
Plus, check out our recent blog post about Target PE Games – which includes Dodgeball!
As always, if you need any help with your PE lessons, we are always just a phone call or email away. We’d love to hear from you!
