Lesson 6 - Dodging and Weight Transfer
Discovering Balance Through Playful Movement
•Nursery
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we move our bodies quickly to avoid being caught while staying safe?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dodging skills through quick weight transfer from one foot to another
- To use space safely whilst moving and dodging
- To show increasing control over movement whilst on the move
Key Outcomes
- Children will demonstrate weight shifting techniques for effective dodging
- Children will move safely in shared spaces whilst avoiding others
- Children will show improved spatial awareness and movement control
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed before Tails activity, worn at hip level
Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, coloured scarves
Adults positioned at sides for rolling during Boulders game
Alternative: Bean bags, soft playground balls
Mark boundaries and safe zones for games
Alternative: PE spots, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being caught or hit
Moving your body weight from one foot to the other
The area around us where we can move safely
The way we are moving - forwards, backwards, left or right
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping on command
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple following and copying movements
Current Skills
- Weight transfer from foot to foot
- Quick directional changes whilst moving
- Spatial awareness whilst dodging
Next Steps
- Advanced dodging patterns and sequences
- Dodging in more complex game situations
- Combining dodging with other movement skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Weight transfer is the foundation of effective dodging - shift from foot to foot
- Safety comes first - controlled movements and appropriate contact only
- Spatial awareness prevents collisions - always look for space
- Practice makes progress - encourage continued effort and improvement
- Positive attitude when caught - games are about fun and learning
- Help others succeed - cooperation makes activities better for everyone
- Connect learning to play - use dodging skills during break times
Common Misconceptions
- Faster always means better - actually control and technique matter more
- Dodging means running away - it's about quick direction changes with weight shifts
- Being caught means failure - it's part of learning and playing together
- Only use feet for dodging - whole body positioning and weight distribution important
- Dodging is only for games - it's a fundamental movement skill for life
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer support for demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet space available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use verbal cues for direction, buddy system for guidance, clear boundaries with tactile markers
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated dodging variations, modified tag belt positioning, adapted space requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting collected tag belts, timing activities (30 seconds), spatial awareness and positioning
Science
Balance and forces when shifting weight, understanding how body moves and changes direction
Communication
Following instructions, explaining dodging techniques, positive communication during games
PSHE
Cooperation in partner work, resilience when caught in games, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all children, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for weight transfer technique, spatial awareness, and safety consciousness
Intervention Points
Step in if children moving too fast, using inappropriate contact, or showing frustration
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always model movements clearly with exaggerated technique for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Shift your weight!'
- •'Find space!'
- •'Gentle touches only!'
- •'Use your dodging skills!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for whole-class activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards and obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam balls only for Boulders game
- •Tag belts secure but easily removable
- •No hard or heavy equipment in dodging activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between children during dodging activities
- •Falls from excessive speed or loss of balance
- •Rough contact during tagging games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
- •Small group management to prevent overcrowding
- •Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
- •No contact rules clearly explained and monitored
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during all activities
- •Monitor speed and control during dodging
- •Watch for appropriate contact levels in games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support