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Lesson 2 - Dodging & Direction Change

Movement & Ball Skills Play

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Reception

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Invasion Games

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58 min

Big Question

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

Cones

12 sets of 3 (red, yellow, white, blue)

One set per group of 3 students

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags

Tag Belts

30 (1 per student)

Check all clips work properly

Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves

Softballs

Soft enough for safe throwing at close range

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Balls

Placed in hoops for collection games

Alternative: Small cones, markers

Hoops

Large enough to hold bean bags clearly

Alternative: Boxes, marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to one side to avoid being caught

Direction change

Altering the path you are moving in

Sliding

Moving sideways with one foot leading

Spatial awareness

Knowing where you are in relation to others and objects

Evading

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

Smooth transitions between different directions

Awareness of space and other students

Quick reaction to instructions

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