Lesson 3 - Dodging Left with Control
Balance & Dynamic Control
•Reception
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can I dodge left safely while keeping my balance and avoiding others?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to dodge left off the right foot with control
- To travel safely around others while maintaining spatial awareness
- To demonstrate left and right directional understanding through movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will dodge left off their right foot with increasing confidence
- Students will move safely around, under, over and through equipment and people
- Students will identify left and right directions during movement activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in compass formation (North, East, South, West) in centre of area
Alternative: Cones, hoops, or chalk circles
One for each group during passing activities
Alternative: Bean bags or foam balls
Mark safe movement areas and group positions
Alternative: Floor tape or natural boundaries
Key Vocabulary
To move quickly to one side to avoid something or someone
The direction on the same side as your left hand
The foot on the same side as your right hand
Moving your body weight from one foot to the other
Knowing where you are in relation to other people and objects
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Dodging left off right foot
- Directional awareness (left/right)
- Safe movement around others
- Weight transfer for direction changes
Next Steps
- Dodging right off left foot
- Multi-directional dodging
- Dodging while carrying equipment
- Reactive dodging in games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Left and right body awareness must be clearly established before movement
- Weight transfer from right foot is crucial for effective left dodging
- Safety awareness around others is equally important as technique
- Progressive speed building maintains technique and confidence
- Positive communication enhances group cooperation and learning
- Self-assessment skills develop metacognitive awareness
- Balance achievement recognition with effort acknowledgement
Common Misconceptions
- Children may confuse left and right when facing different directions - use body-relative teaching
- Thinking dodging is just stepping sideways - emphasise weight transfer component
- Believing faster movement always means better technique - stress control over speed
- Assuming all children understand spatial relationships - check comprehension regularly
- Expecting immediate mastery - celebrate progressive improvement and effort
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Demonstrate movements slowly and repeatedly, use larger equipment, allow extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured floor markers, provide verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for directions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapt dodging to seated or supported versions, use larger movement areas, modified equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Understanding left and right directions, spatial positioning in compass formation, counting in sequence during activities
Science
Body parts identification, balance and movement principles, forces and motion during dodging
Geography
Compass directions (North, East, South, West), spatial awareness and mapping
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, positive communication, self-assessment and reflection skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all four compass groups can be seen, move to centre area during meeting activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct left/right recognition, monitor dodging technique, assess group cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if children struggle with directions, correct unsafe movement patterns, support group organisation
Demonstration Notes
Show dodging technique from multiple angles, emphasise weight transfer clearly, model safe group movement patterns
Verbal Cues
- •'Dodge left off your right foot!'
- •'Keep your heads up and watch for others!'
- •'Step, shift, dodge!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 15m clear area, suitable for running and group activities
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Floor spots/markers securely placed and visible
- •Soft balls appropriate for age group
- •All equipment checked for damage before use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during centre meeting activities
- •Falls during dodging movements
- •Balls causing trips or slips
- •Overcrowding in activity areas
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and activity areas established
- •Progressive speed building from walking to running
- •Adequate spacing between groups maintained
- •Continuous supervision of centre meeting point
- •Emphasis on looking ahead and communication
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe centre compass area clearly
- •Monitor group formations and spacing
- •Watch for technique deterioration with fatigue
- •Ensure safe ball handling throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if collision risk, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, adapt activity if needed