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Lesson 3 - Dodging Left with 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 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

Mats

Place in compass formation (North, East, South, West) in centre of area

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or chalk circles

Softballs

4-6

One for each group during passing activities

Alternative: Bean bags or foam balls

Cones

8-12

Mark safe movement areas and group positions

Alternative: Floor tape or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

To move quickly to one side to avoid something or someone

Left

The direction on the same side as your left hand

Right foot

The foot on the same side as your right hand

Weight transfer

Moving your body weight from one foot to the other

Spatial awareness

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

Can dodge left consistently when walking

Shows confidence in direction changes

Maintains balance during dodge movements

Demonstrates spatial awareness around others

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