Lesson 4 - Dodging and Defending
Ball Control Foundations
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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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
Distributed around perimeter for teachers to collect during Boulders game
Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls
One ball per pair for dodging activities
Alternative: American footballs, foam rugby balls
Mark boundaries, gates, and target areas throughout lesson
Alternative: Markers, spots
Help identify teams and directions during crossing activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A quick movement to one side to avoid or get past someone
Moving quickly towards an attacker to reduce the area they have to work in
The person or team trying to score or reach a target
The person or team trying to stop the attackers from scoring
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
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