Lesson 2 - Backwards Travel Skills
Movement Mastery Skills
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can we move backwards safely while being aware of others around us?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to travel backwards safely using different body parts for reference
- To demonstrate spatial awareness when sharing space with others
- To build self-confidence and motivation in movement activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will travel backwards safely looking over their shoulder
- Students will demonstrate consideration for others when moving in shared spaces
- Students will show increased self-confidence in their movement abilities
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in groups of 3 with 2m spacing for backwards travel practice
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles
Stored in equipment bag ready for throwing games
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls
Pre-load upbeat music for backwards walking activity
Alternative: Whistle, tambourine, voice commands
Easily visible for traffic lights game commands
Alternative: Coloured cards, coloured bibs
Create clear rectangular playing area for cage dodgeball
Alternative: Rope, painted lines, natural boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Moving in the opposite direction to where you are facing
Understanding where you are in relation to others and objects around you
Looking over your shoulder to see where you are going when moving backwards
Altering the pathway you are travelling along
Keeping your body steady and in control while moving
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running forwards
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions and commands
Current Skills
- Travelling backwards safely with visual reference
- Changing direction while moving backwards
- Maintaining balance during backwards movement
Next Steps
- Backwards movement in more complex patterns
- Backwards movement combined with object manipulation
- Team games requiring backwards travel skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always check over your shoulder when moving backwards
- Start slowly and build up speed gradually as confidence grows
- Change which shoulder you look over when changing direction
- Stay light on the balls of your feet for better balance and control
- Be aware of others around you and give them plenty of space
- Stop immediately when you feel unsteady or unsafe
- Practice makes progress - everyone improves at their own pace
Common Misconceptions
- Backwards movement is just forwards movement in reverse - actually requires different balance and spatial skills
- You only need to look over one shoulder - alternating shoulders is essential for safety and awareness
- Faster backwards movement is always better - control and safety are more important than speed
- Games are separate from skill learning - games provide essential application and practice opportunities
- Only athletic students can master backwards movement - with practice and support, all students can develop these skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, step-by-step verbal instructions, larger equipment
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use verbal cues and physical guidance, bright coloured equipment, buddy system for spatial orientation
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for games, clear line of sight for demonstrations, written or picture instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated versions of activities, modified movement patterns, adapted equipment size and weight
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial awareness and direction, counting in games, understanding of patterns in figure 8 movements
Science
Understanding balance and forces, how the body moves, cause and effect in movement
Geography
Directional language and spatial concepts, understanding of position and movement
PSHE
Building confidence and self-esteem, cooperation with others, perseverance when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all students, rotate position during activities to maintain optimal supervision
Observation Focus
Monitor shoulder checking consistency, spatial awareness, and confidence levels throughout activities
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if unsafe backwards movement observed, provide additional support for students lacking confidence
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate backwards movement slowly and clearly, exaggerate shoulder checking for visibility, use students as positive examples when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Check over your shoulder!'
- •'Slow and controlled!'
- •'Look for spaces!'
- •'Stay balanced!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, with additional space for throwing games
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for balance activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls properly inflated and checked for damage
- •Cones stable and free from sharp edges
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from activity area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during backwards movement
- •Falls due to loss of balance
- •Soft ball impacts during throwing games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between students
- •Progressive skill building from walking to running backwards
- •Constant emphasis on shoulder checking and spatial awareness
- •Gentle throwing technique with below-waist targeting only
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during backwards movement
- •Active monitoring of throwing technique and target areas
- •Close observation during balance challenges
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, ensure other students are safe and supervised