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Lesson 4 - Changing Direction and Dodging

Confident Movers Mastery

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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28 min

Big Question

How can I change direction quickly to avoid being caught while staying safe and playing fairly?

Learning Objectives

To develop changing direction skills using quick changes of body position
To practice dodging techniques using low to high body movements
To demonstrate fair play and honesty during competitive activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective direction changes using push-off techniques
Students will show improved dodging skills with body turning and low positions
Students will display character values of honesty and fair play throughout games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Scattered around teaching area for warm-up, then arranged for specific activities

Alternative: Bean bags, plastic cups, or markers

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being caught or tagged by changing direction

Push-off

Using one foot to push strongly against the ground to change direction

Direction change

Moving from one direction to a completely different direction

Fair play

Playing by the rules and treating others with respect

Honesty

Being truthful about what happened, even in games

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jogging and running skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple turning movements

Current Skills

Quick direction changes with push-off
Body turning for dodging
Low to high movement patterns
Fair play and honesty in games

Next Steps

More complex dodging sequences
Direction changes under pressure
Advanced deceptive movements
Leadership in fair play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent push-off technique when changing direction

Natural body turning when dodging

Spontaneous demonstration of fair play

Quick decision making in movement challenges

Key Teaching Points

Bend low when changing direction to maintain balance and control
Push off strongly with the outside foot when changing direction
Turn the whole body, not just the legs, when dodging
Keep head up to see other students and avoid collisions
Use quick, light steps rather than long strides for better control
Practice deceptive movements by faking one direction then going another
Always demonstrate honesty and fair play in competitive activities

Common Misconceptions

Students think running faster always helps with dodging - emphasise control over speed
Some believe only the legs need to turn when changing direction - teach whole body movement
Students may think cheating helps them win - reinforce that fair play makes games enjoyable for everyone
Some think they must always dodge the same way - encourage variety in movement patterns
Students might believe being tagged means they've failed - emphasise that being honest about tags shows good character

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment, reduce complexity of instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual timetable for lesson sections, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones, provide verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted buddy for activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all movements, provide written rule cards

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated position where possible, focus on upper body direction changes, modify tagging rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing movements, using positional vocabulary, speaking and listening during partner work

Maths

Counting cone touches, timing activities, understanding directions (left/right), simple addition of scores

Science

Understanding forces when pushing off, balance and stability, effects of exercise on the body

PSHE

Honesty and integrity, fair play, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at edge of activity area for clear view of all students, move to support individual students as needed

Observation Focus

Watch for correct direction changing technique, monitor fair play behaviour, assess student understanding through participation

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with technique, address unfair play immediately, support students who need confidence building

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate movements clearly with exaggerated technique, use students as positive examples, show both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Bend low and push off!'
•'Turn your whole body!'
•'Well done for being honest!'
•'Show me quick feet!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from trip hazards, suitable for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are not cracked or broken
•Ensure cones are placed away from walls/obstacles
•Verify cones are visible and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes
•Slips when changing direction quickly
•Overexertion during competitive games
•Contact during tagging activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cone markers
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than speed alone
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness
•Immediate stop signals when needed
•Controlled tagging rules (gentle touch only)

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during movement activities
•Monitor energy levels during competitive games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair play rules are being followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid/support, contact emergency services if needed