Lesson 2 - Backwards Movement Skills
Confident Movers & Challenges
•Year 2
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we move backwards safely while sharing space with others?
Learning Objectives
- Develop safe backwards travelling skills with awareness of surroundings
- Demonstrate considerate spatial awareness when moving with others
- Show self-motivation and confidence in movement activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will travel backwards safely using appropriate observation techniques
- Students will demonstrate spatial awareness and consideration for others
- Students will show self-confidence and motivation in physical activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area for personal markers
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk spots
In equipment bag, ready for throwing activities
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls
For teacher signals during traffic lights activity
Alternative: Coloured cards, traffic light signs
Pre-loaded with upbeat instrumental music
Alternative: Phone with speaker, whistle for signals
Define clear activity areas for games
Alternative: Lines on floor, wall boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Moving in reverse direction while maintaining control and awareness
Looking over shoulder to see where you are going when moving backwards
Understanding where you are in relation to others and the space around you
Being able to encourage yourself and try your best without others telling you
The front part of your foot, behind your toes
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic walking and running skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple direction changes while moving forwards
Current Skills
- Backwards travelling with shoulder checking
- Spatial awareness while moving
- Self-assessment of movement quality
Next Steps
- Complex backwards movement patterns
- Backwards movement in game situations
- Teaching others safe backwards movement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always look over your shoulder when moving backwards for safety
- Control your speed - backwards movement should be slower than forwards
- Use balls of feet for better balance and control when running backwards
- Be aware of others around you and share space considerately
- Practice makes perfect - keep trying even when it feels challenging
- Self-motivation means encouraging yourself to keep improving
- Good spatial awareness prevents accidents and helps everyone enjoy PE
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking backwards movement is just forwards movement in reverse - it requires different techniques
- Believing you can move as fast backwards as forwards - backwards needs more control
- Assuming you don't need to look where you're going - shoulder checking is essential
- Thinking balance comes naturally - it needs practice and proper technique
- Believing only physical ability matters - effort and motivation are equally important
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, use of wall support if needed
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal cues for spatial awareness, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for instructions, demonstrate all movements clearly, written task cards available
physical disability
- Modify to seated backwards movement, use wheelchairs where appropriate, adjust distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial awareness, direction and position, measuring 2-metre distances, counting to 3 for balance
Science
Forces and motion, balance and stability, reaction times, body systems during exercise
Geography
Direction vocabulary (backwards, forwards), spatial relationships, mapping movement pathways
PSHE
Self-motivation, building confidence, cooperation and teamwork, perseverance and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all activity areas, move to support groups as needed
Observation Focus
Watch for shoulder checking consistency, controlled movement speed, spatial awareness
Intervention Points
Step in if students moving too fast, not checking surroundings, or showing unsafe behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate backwards movement slowly first, exaggerate shoulder checking for visibility, show incorrect technique for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Look over that shoulder!'
- •'Slow and controlled!'
- •'Check your space!'
- •'Balls of your feet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, with additional space for game activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, clearly marked boundaries
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only for throwing activities
- •Cones placed securely with rounded edges
- •Music equipment positioned safely away from activity area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during backwards movement
- •Falls from loss of balance
- •Ball strikes during throwing games
- •Overcrowding in shared spaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing protocols
- •Emphasis on controlled movement speed
- •One-at-a-time system during skill practice
- •Underarm throwing only policy
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all backwards movement
- •Monitor spacing during free movement
- •Watch for fatigue affecting control
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed