🎓

Lesson 2 - Backwards Movement Skills

Confident Movers & Challenges

•

Year 2

•

Fundamental Movement Skills

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around activity area for personal markers

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk spots

Softballs

6-8

In equipment bag, ready for throwing activities

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

Balls

3 (red, yellow, green)

For teacher signals during traffic lights activity

Alternative: Coloured cards, traffic light signs

Music Player

Pre-loaded with upbeat instrumental music

Alternative: Phone with speaker, whistle for signals

Sun Markers

12-16 cones

Define clear activity areas for games

Alternative: Lines on floor, wall boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Backwards travelling

Moving in reverse direction while maintaining control and awareness

Shoulder checking

Looking over shoulder to see where you are going when moving backwards

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others and the space around you

Self-motivation

Being able to encourage yourself and try your best without others telling you

Balls of feet

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

Consistent shoulder checking while moving backwards

Smooth direction changes without losing balance

Confident movement in shared spaces

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