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Lesson 5 - Dodging and Body Control

Balance & Dynamic Control

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Reception

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to dodge and move safely around others?

Learning Objectives

To develop dodging skills off either foot with control and confidence
To travel safely with awareness of others in different directions
To demonstrate good balance and weight transfer when changing direction

Key Outcomes

Students will dodge past stationary and moving objects using either foot
Students will travel confidently around, under, over and through obstacles
Students will show awareness of space and others when moving

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

16 (8 for slalom, 8 for positioning)

8 cones in line 30cm apart, others for group positions

Alternative: Bean bags, floor markers, chalk lines

Balls

30 (1 per child)

Scattered in central circle for dinosaur game

Alternative: Soft balls, foam shapes, scarves

Hoops

1 large hoop

Placed in centre for collection activity

Alternative: Bucket, marked circle area, crate

Sun Markers

10 spots

Positioned 15m from central area for team starting points

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks, tape markers

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to one side to avoid someone or something

Weight transfer

Moving your body weight from one foot to the other

Push off

Using your foot to push against the ground to change direction

Spatial awareness

Knowing where you are in relation to others and objects

Slalom

Moving in a zigzag pattern between markers

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic travelling movements (walking, running)
Understanding of personal space
Simple direction changes

Current Skills

Dodging off either foot
Weight transfer and balance
Spatial awareness during movement

Next Steps

Dodging in game situations
Advanced directional changes
Coordinated team movement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent foot plant and push-off

Smooth weight transfer

Safe awareness of others

Key Teaching Points

Weight transfer is key to effective dodging - lean first, then push off
Use both feet equally for dodging in both directions
Keep movements controlled especially when speed increases
Spatial awareness is crucial when multiple people are moving
Small, quick steps are more effective than large movements
Practice makes perfect - encourage repeated attempts
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just perfect technique

Common Misconceptions

Children think faster always means better - emphasise control over speed
Some believe only one foot can be used for dodging - encourage both feet
Assumption that dodging is just running fast - stress the technique components
Belief that being tagged means failure - frame as learning opportunity
Thinking dodging is only for games - show real-life applications

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular praise and feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movements initially, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, verbal cues for direction, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated dodging movements, modified distances, use of mobility aids as obstacles

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion, balance and stability, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directional language (North, South, East, West), spatial mapping

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when tagged, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with view of all activities, mobile during games

Observation Focus

Weight transfer technique, spatial awareness, confident movement

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe movement, provide technique reminders, manage game flow

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate weight shifts for visibility, use slow motion for technique, show both good and improved examples

Verbal Cues

•'Lean first, then push off!'
•'Look where you're going!'
•'Small steps, quick feet!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed securely and not creating trip hazards
•Bean bags checked for damage and safe materials
•Hoop stable and appropriate size for safe placement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dodging activities
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Overcrowding in central areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe spaces maintained
•Progressive skill building from walking to running
•Constant supervision during high-movement games
•Clear rules about safe contact and tagging

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during games
•Monitor junction game centre point carefully
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes