Lesson 5 - Evading and Dodging
Movement Mastery Skills
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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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
Arrange in straight lines 2m apart initially, then 30cm for slalom
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or coloured spots
Distribute before tagging activities
Alternative: Strips of fabric, ribbons, or bandanas
Create clear defined areas for each activity
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or natural boundaries
Key Vocabulary
To avoid or escape from someone by moving quickly and cleverly
To move quickly to one side to avoid something or someone
To move forward towards a target or goal
To protect or guard against something
Moving sideways with feet staying parallel
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
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