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Lesson 1 - Agile Movement Challenges

Movement Exploration Skills

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we move quickly and cleverly around obstacles whilst supporting our teammates?

Learning Objectives

To perform running challenges with agile movements in set times
To support partners to improve their performance through encouragement
To recognise and demonstrate agile movements using push-off techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully complete timed relay challenges using agile movements
Students will demonstrate effective partner support and encouragement
Students will show improved agile movement technique with correct push-off from both legs

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

30-40 cones

Set up relay courses with different coloured cones for each station

Alternative: Bean bags, marker spots, chalk lines

Timer

1 visible timer (projector if available)

Position where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, digital clock

Sun Markers

8-10 mats

One per group of 4 students

Alternative: Flat marker spots, painted lines

Whistles

For clear start and stop signals

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Agile movement

Moving quickly and easily, changing direction smoothly

Push-off

Using your leg strongly to change direction quickly

Leading leg

The leg you use to push off when changing direction

Transition

The changeover between team members in a relay

Encourage

To give someone support and confidence

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique
Understanding of direction changes
Simple partner work experience

Current Skills

Agile movement with push-off technique
Timed challenge completion
Partner support and encouragement

Next Steps

Complex agility courses
Competitive relay racing
Advanced coaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of correct leg for push-off

Improved completion times

Quality of partner encouragement and feedback

Key Teaching Points

Agile movement requires bending knees and using the correct push-off leg
Planning your route in advance helps maintain speed through direction changes
Supporting partners with encouragement improves everyone's performance
Technique is more important than speed - control leads to better results
Time pressure can improve performance when combined with good technique

Common Misconceptions

Faster always means better - actually, controlled agile movement is more efficient
Any leg can be used for push-off - the outside leg provides better leverage and control
Encouragement doesn't help performance - positive support actually improves concentration and confidence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time, peer buddy support for technique

autism spectrum

Clear visual route maps, predictable activity structure, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, clear verbal descriptions of routes, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of techniques, hand signals for timing, written instructions displayed

physical disability

Adapted movements focusing on upper body agility, wheelchair-accessible routes, modified challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting cones touched accurately, measuring times and distances, comparing performance data

Science

Understanding forces and motion in direction changes, exploring how the body works during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding directions and routes, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Supporting others, building confidence, dealing with challenge and competition positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the activity area to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during circuits

Observation Focus

Watch for correct push-off technique, safe movement under time pressure, quality of partner interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe movement, or negative partner interactions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at full speed. Use clear, exaggerated movements for agile technique. Model excellent partnership behaviour throughout.

Verbal Cues

•'Bend and push-off!'
•'Plan your route!'
•'Encourage your partner!'
•'Control before speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones positioned safely with adequate spacing
•No sharp edges or damaged equipment
•Mats placed securely and flat on ground

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during relay and circuit activities
•Slips and falls during direction changes, especially on smooth surfaces
•Overexertion during timed challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between working groups
•Adequate spacing between relay stations and circuits
•Progressive skill building from slow to fast movements
•Regular check-ins on student fatigue levels
•Emphasis on controlled movement before speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during timed challenges
•Watch for students becoming overexerted or losing control

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any incidents appropriately, apply first aid as needed, complete accident forms if required