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Lesson 4 - Changing Direction and Dodging

Body Awareness & Movement Skills

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Year 2

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to dodge and change direction like animals escaping predators?

Learning Objectives

To develop changing direction skills with balance and control
To master dodging techniques using low to high body positions
To demonstrate honesty and fair play in competitive activities

Key Outcomes

Students will change direction with improved balance and control
Students will use dodging movements with confidence in game situations
Students will demonstrate fair play and honesty during activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed around teaching area for activities, plus line markers

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being caught or tagged by changing direction

Direction change

Turning your whole body to face and move in a new direction

Push off

Using one foot to drive powerfully in the opposite direction

Low position

Bending knees and lowering centre of gravity for better balance and quicker movement

Fair play

Following rules honestly and treating others with respect

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping skills
Simple direction changes
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Controlled direction changes with balance
Low to high dodging movements
Quick foot positioning for direction changes

Next Steps

Combining dodging with ball skills
Complex agility sequences
Game-specific dodging techniques

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance during quick direction changes

Uses body positioning effectively to dodge

Demonstrates consistent fair play

Key Teaching Points

Start in low athletic position for effective dodging
Push off hard with outside foot when changing direction
Turn whole body, not just head, when changing direction
Keep head up to see spaces and avoid collisions
Use deceptive movements to trick opponents
Show honesty and fair play in all competitive activities
Bend knees and stay low for better balance and control

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging is just about speed - emphasise technique and control over pure speed
Believing only turning head changes direction - demonstrate whole body turn requirement
Assuming rough tagging is acceptable - reinforce gentle touch rules consistently
Not understanding fair play importance - connect behaviour to feelings and enjoyment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks regularly

dyspraxia

Slow down demonstration pace, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment if needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet zones for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones, provide verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for stop/start, demonstrate all instructions, provide written rule cards

physical disability

Adapt movements to seated or supported positions, modify tagging rules, adjust distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, following instructions, describing movements to partners

Maths

Counting cones in Domes and Dishes, measuring distances during activities, timing challenges

Science

Understanding forces in pushing off, balance and centre of gravity in dodging movements

PSHE

Fair play, honesty, cooperation, dealing with winning and losing appropriately

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct dodging technique, fair play examples, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, incorrect technique, or unfair behaviour immediately

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Bend low and push off!'
•'Turn your whole body!'
•'Quick changes of direction!'
•'Show honesty!'
•'Well done for fair play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, suitable for running and direction changes

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for pushing off movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Ensure adequate spacing between cones
•Remove any damaged equipment immediately

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during direction changes
•Falls when pushing off or dodging
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled movements before speed
•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Gentle tagging rules enforced throughout
•Regular breaks during intensive activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all participants
•Monitor game areas for fair and safe play
•Watch for fatigue during active games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear area if needed