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Lesson 2 - Backwards Travel Skills

Movement Mastery Skills

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

15-20

Arrange in groups of 3 with 2m spacing for backwards travel practice

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles

Softballs

4-6

Stored in equipment bag ready for throwing games

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

Music Player

Pre-load upbeat music for backwards walking activity

Alternative: Whistle, tambourine, voice commands

Balls

3 (red, yellow, green)

Easily visible for traffic lights game commands

Alternative: Coloured cards, coloured bibs

Sun Markers

8-12

Create clear rectangular playing area for cage dodgeball

Alternative: Rope, painted lines, natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Backwards travel

Moving in the opposite direction to where you are facing

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others and objects around you

Shoulder checking

Looking over your shoulder to see where you are going when moving backwards

Direction change

Altering the pathway you are travelling along

Balance

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

Consistent shoulder checking during backwards movement

Smooth direction changes without loss of balance

Confident backwards movement at different speeds

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