Lesson 2 - Dodging & Direction Change
Movement & Ball Skills Play
•Reception
•Invasion Games
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How can we become harder to catch by changing direction quickly and safely?
Learning Objectives
- Develop ability to change direction confidently and competently
- Move safely in limited space while maintaining awareness of others
- Understand that dodging off both feet makes you harder to catch
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate confident direction changes in various activities
- Students will show spatial awareness and safety in movement games
- Students will explain why changing direction helps avoid being caught
Equipment & Resources Required
One set per group of 3 students
Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags
Check all clips work properly
Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves
Soft enough for safe throwing at close range
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls
Placed in hoops for collection games
Alternative: Small cones, markers
Large enough to hold bean bags clearly
Alternative: Boxes, marked areas
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to one side to avoid being caught
Altering the path you are moving in
Moving sideways with one foot leading
Knowing where you are in relation to others and objects
Getting away from someone trying to catch you
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Changing direction while moving
- Sliding movements (side galloping)
- Dodging and evading skills
Next Steps
- Combining direction changes with ball skills
- Using direction changes in team games
- Developing anticipation skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise both left and right direction changes for balanced skill development
- Build from slow, controlled movements to faster applications in games
- Maintain constant awareness of space and other students for safety
- Use deceptive movements - pretend one way, go the other
- Apply direction changing skills learned in all game situations
- Encourage honest self-assessment and reflection on learning
- Connect classroom learning to playground and home practice opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Direction changes must be fast - actually control and timing are more important
- Only need to be good at dodging one way - both sides are equally important
- Sliding is just running sideways - it requires specific leading shoulder technique
- Games are about winning at all costs - focus should be on skill application and fair play
- If you're not naturally good at dodging, you can't improve - all skills can be developed with practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks and positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Slower movement practice, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, supportive peer partnerships
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of space and movements, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, hand signals for game instructions, written sequence cards for cone activities
physical disability
- Modify movements to seated or supported versions, adjust equipment height, reduce activity area as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial awareness, following sequences, compass directions, counting scores and time
Science
Forces and motion when changing direction, balance and centre of gravity during sliding
Geography
Using compass directions (North, East, South, West) for positioning
PSHE
Cooperation in partners and teams, managing emotions during competitive games, fair play and honesty
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position where you can see all students, move around during activities to provide individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for confidence in direction changes, spatial awareness, and application of skills in games
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with sliding technique, if games become too competitive, or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show direction changes clearly, model good sportsmanship, demonstrate safe contact in games
Verbal Cues
- •'Sharp changes!'
- •'Check your space!'
- •'Pretend left, go right!'
- •'Soft touches only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from hazards, appropriate for sliding movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tag belts for proper function and safe materials
- •Ensure soft balls are appropriate softness for close-range throwing
- •Verify cones are stable and visible colours
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during direction changing activities
- •Slips when learning sliding movements
- •Overly aggressive play in tag games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and space awareness emphasised throughout
- •Progressive skill building from slow to fast movements
- •Continuous monitoring of play intensity and safety
- •Regular reminders about gentle, controlled contact
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during active games
- •Move around groups during cone activities
- •Monitor throwing force in gauntlet game closely
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, report incidents following school procedures