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Lesson 4 - Dodging and Defending

Ball Control Foundations

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

How can we use clever movement to beat opponents and stop attackers?

Learning Objectives

To develop dodging skills to evade opponents
To understand basic defending principles by closing space
To apply attacking and defending concepts in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will dodge effectively using changes of direction and speed
Students will demonstrate understanding of space and positioning when defending
Students will show awareness of attacking and defending principles in game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

15-20

Distributed around perimeter for teachers to collect during Boulders game

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

Rugby Balls

1 per 2 students (15)

One ball per pair for dodging activities

Alternative: American footballs, foam rugby balls

Cones

40-50

Mark boundaries, gates, and target areas throughout lesson

Alternative: Markers, spots

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Help identify teams and directions during crossing activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

A quick movement to one side to avoid or get past someone

Closing Space

Moving quickly towards an attacker to reduce the area they have to work in

Attacker

The person or team trying to score or reach a target

Defender

The person or team trying to stop the attackers from scoring

Ready Position

Standing with knees slightly bent, weight on toes, arms out for balance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping on command
Simple direction changes while moving
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Dodging with purpose to beat opponents
Closing space when defending
Applying speed in attacking situations

Next Steps

Advanced dodging with deception and feints
Team defending strategies
Complex invasion game tactics

Milestone Indicators

Dodges successfully beat opponents 70% of the time

Defenders close space within 2 seconds of identifying threat

Students can explain when to attack fast vs when to be patient

Key Teaching Points

Effective dodging requires planting the outside foot and pushing off strongly to change direction
Defenders must close space quickly then set themselves in ready position before attempting to tag
Spatial awareness is crucial - keep heads up and be aware of other players during movement
Attacking at speed requires control - fast doesn't mean out of control
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as physical skills in invasion games
Transferring weight effectively makes dodging more deceptive and successful

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging is just running fast - it requires controlled direction changes
Believing defenders should stay back - they need to close space actively
Assuming bigger/faster students always win - technique and tactics matter more
Thinking tagging should be forceful - controlled, fair contact is more effective
Believing you can't improve - dodging and defending skills develop with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities in group work

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, allow extra practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure, use consistent routines for activity transitions, offer quiet space if overwhelming

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted buddy for navigation during activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all movements clearly, provide written instruction cards for complex activities

physical disability

Adapt dodging to arm movements in wheelchair, modify distances for reduced mobility, provide alternative roles in team activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for spacing, counting points scored, understanding directions and angles during dodging movements

Science

Forces and motion in dodging movements, reaction times in defensive situations, balance and stability during direction changes

Geography

Compass directions in multi-directional movement game, spatial awareness and mapping of movement patterns

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when tagged or unsuccessful, teamwork and supporting others during activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity space to observe different groups, position for maximum visibility during multi-group activities

Observation Focus

Watch for application of dodging techniques, defensive positioning, spatial awareness, and fair play during competitive activities

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe contact occurs, when students not applying learned techniques, or if competitive spirit becomes unsporting

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations regularly to reinforce good technique, film examples for assessment and feedback, model enthusiasm for both attacking and defending skills

Verbal Cues

•'Plant and push off!' for effective dodging
•'Close the space!' for defensive positioning
•'Heads up!' for spatial awareness
•'Two hands only!' for safe tagging

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for multiple group activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and changing direction

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check soft balls for damage or excessive hardness
•Ensure rugby balls appropriate size/weight for Year 1
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Store unused equipment safely away from activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during multi-directional movement activities
•Falls during rapid direction changes
•Contact during tagging activities
•Equipment strikes during throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Controlled pace in crossing activities
•Two-handed tagging only - no pushing
•Underarm throwing technique enforced
•Adequate spacing between groups/pairs maintained

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all groups during activities
•Active monitoring of spacing during mouse and cat
•Close observation during 1v1 defending practice
•Intervention ready during competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, report any incidents according to school policy