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Lesson 5 - Evading and Dodging

Movement Mastery Skills

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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1h 8min

Big Question

How can we use quick movements and clever thinking to avoid being caught whilst staying safe?

Learning Objectives

To develop evasion skills through dodging and changing direction
To understand when to attack and when to defend in game situations
To demonstrate self-motivation and display self-confidence during physical activities

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to evade others using quick changes of direction
Students will show awareness of space and others around them
Students will demonstrate confident participation in tag games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

16 (4 sets of 4 in different colours: red, yellow, white, blue)

Arrange in straight lines 2m apart initially, then 30cm for slalom

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or coloured spots

Tag Belts

30 (one per student)

Distribute before tagging activities

Alternative: Strips of fabric, ribbons, or bandanas

Sun Markers

8-12 cones

Create clear defined areas for each activity

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Evade

To avoid or escape from someone by moving quickly and cleverly

Dodge

To move quickly to one side to avoid something or someone

Attack

To move forward towards a target or goal

Defend

To protect or guard against something

Sliding

Moving sideways with feet staying parallel

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others and objects

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping
Understanding of personal space
Following simple instructions

Current Skills

Dodging and evading movements
Sliding and side-stepping
Spatial awareness during games

Next Steps

Advanced evasion techniques
Strategic thinking in invasion games
Leadership roles in team activities

Milestone Indicators

Quick changes of direction without losing balance

Awareness of others' positions

Confident participation in competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that good dodging involves quick changes of direction and speed
Encourage students to keep their heads up and look for spaces
Reinforce that confidence comes from having a go, not being perfect
Model and celebrate examples of self-motivation throughout the lesson
Connect sliding technique to skiing or skating for better understanding
Stress the importance of spatial awareness for safety and success
Highlight that communication makes chain tag more effective

Common Misconceptions

Children think running faster is better than changing direction - correct by showing how quick direction changes beat speed
Students believe only the 'best' should feel confident - explain that confidence comes from trying and improving
Some think sliding means taking big steps - demonstrate small, controlled movements
Children may think tag games are just about running - emphasise strategy and teamwork
Students might think being caught means they've failed - reframe as part of learning and trying again

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, movement breaks built in, clear simple instructions, positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time for sliding technique, larger equipment if needed, patient encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear visual sequence cards for activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routine structure, warning before transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards, ensure facing students when speaking

physical disability

Seated or supported versions of dodging movements, modified tag games using hands instead of running, alternative roles as game organisers

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting tag belt collections, understanding sequences in cone activities, directions and positional language (left, right, NESW)

Science

Understanding forces in pushing off movements, balance and stability concepts, reaction time and reflexes

Geography

Compass directions (North, East, South, West), spatial relationships and mapping concepts

PSHE

Self-confidence building, teamwork and cooperation, handling competitive situations positively, resilience when caught in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during games for full visibility, centre position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct sliding technique, spatial awareness, and confidence levels throughout

Intervention Points

["Step in if tag games become too rough or unfair", "Support students showing low confidence", "Correct sliding technique to prevent bad habits", "Manage over-excitement during competitive elements"]

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples where possible, exaggerate movements for visibility, always demonstrate safety aspects clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Zigzag like lightning!' for direction changes
•'Soft mice feet!' for quiet, controlled movements
•'Find the gaps!' for spatial awareness
•'Confident mice!' for self-motivation

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface suitable for running and sliding movements, no wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Tag belts checked for secure but safe attachment
•Boundary markers clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag games and evasion activities
•Slips and falls during sliding movements
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced throughout
•Emphasis on spatial awareness during all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Regular reminders about safe play and looking out for others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during tag games
•Monitor sliding technique to prevent falls
•Watch for over-competitive behaviour
•Ensure fair play in all tagging activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, comfort students as needed