Lesson 4 - Changing Direction and Dodging
Body Awareness & Movement Skills
•Year 2
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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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
Distributed around teaching area for activities, plus line markers
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being caught or tagged by changing direction
Turning your whole body to face and move in a new direction
Using one foot to drive powerfully in the opposite direction
Bending knees and lowering centre of gravity for better balance and quicker movement
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
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