Lesson 5 - Sliding and Dodging Skills
Animal Movement & Spatial Skills
•Reception
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we move sideways safely while keeping our balance?
Learning Objectives
- To develop sliding technique with correct footwork and body position
- To practice dodging skills through changing direction quickly
- To negotiate space successfully whilst moving sideways
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to slide sideways leading with either leg
- Students will demonstrate dodging skills by changing direction smoothly
- Students will show spatial awareness when moving around others
Equipment & Resources Required
Various configurations for pathways and boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or spots
Portable speaker for musical sliding activity
Alternative: Whistle, drum, or voice commands
Ready for distribution at lesson end
Alternative: Praise certificates, stamps, or verbal praise
Key Vocabulary
Moving sideways by leading with one leg and bringing the other to join it
The leg that steps out first when sliding sideways
Quickly changing direction to avoid objects or people
Moving successfully through areas with obstacles or other people
Keeping steady and controlled while moving
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running skills
- Simple directional changes
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Sliding technique with correct footwork
- Dodging through quick direction changes
- Spatial awareness during movement
Next Steps
- Combining sliding with other locomotion skills
- Advanced dodging in game situations
- Leading sliding activities with confidence
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise step-together sliding pattern rather than crossover steps
- Maintain balance through controlled movement and arm positioning
- Change lead leg/shoulder to develop bilateral coordination
- Use sliding technique even under game pressure
- Develop spatial awareness through pathway activities
- Encourage creative movement within safe boundaries
- Build confidence through progressive skill development
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking sliding means jumping sideways - correct by showing feet staying on ground
- Believing faster is better - emphasise control over speed
- Confusing with ice skating movements - focus on step-together pattern
- Only using dominant side - encourage both left and right leading
- Thinking arms aren't important - show how arms help balance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Slower movement pace, additional practice time, wall support for balance, simplified patterns initially
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available, consistent verbal cues and signals
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones, clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with hand signals, written instruction cards, vibrating signals for music stops, clear sightlines to teacher
physical disability
- Seated sliding on gym mats, upper body sliding movements, adapted distances, wheelchair-friendly pathways
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, descriptive vocabulary for movement, communication in partner work
Science
Understanding balance and gravity, exploring friction between feet and floor, forces in movement
Geography
Directional awareness and spatial vocabulary, mapping pathways and routes
Mathematics
Counting steps in sliding pattern, directional language (left/right), shape recognition in figure of 8
Music
Moving to rhythm and beat, starting and stopping with musical cues
PSHE
Turn-taking and cooperation, building confidence, celebrating achievement and effort
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all children, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct step-together sliding pattern, balance maintenance, safe spatial awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when children struggle with balance, use unsafe movement, or need technique correction
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate facing children, exaggerate movements for visibility, show both correct and incorrect technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Step-together, step-together!'
- •'Arms out for balance!'
- •'Lead with your shoulder!'
- •'Smooth and controlled!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor playground area, minimum 15m x 15m clear space
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet patches or debris before lesson
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones placed away from walls and boundaries
- •No sharp edges on any equipment
- •Music volume allows for instruction hearing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips and falls during sliding movement
- •Collisions between children during games
- •Over-stretching or loss of balance
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled sliding not rushing
- •Clear space boundaries and pathways established
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Constant supervision during all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Stay mobile to monitor technique and safety
- •Intervene immediately for unsafe movement
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed