Lesson 4 - Changing Direction and Dodging
Confident Movers Mastery
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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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
Scattered around teaching area for warm-up, then arranged for specific activities
Alternative: Bean bags, plastic cups, or markers
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being caught or tagged by changing direction
Using one foot to push strongly against the ground to change direction
Moving from one direction to a completely different direction
Playing by the rules and treating others with respect
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
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