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Lesson 2 - Dodging and Evasion Skills

Dynamic Dodging: Building Agility and Spatial Awareness

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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 clever dodging to escape from defenders and create space for ourselves?

Learning Objectives

Develop effective dodging technique with head up, low body position, and quick direction changes
Apply dodging skills in game situations to evade taggers and defenders
Understand when and why dodging is important in games and sports

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved dodging technique with proper body positioning
Students will successfully apply dodging skills to avoid being caught in tag games
Students will explain when dodging is useful in games and sports

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

3-4

One ball per tagger, easily visible and safe to carry while running

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or coloured bibs for taggers

Dish Cones

10-15

Spread randomly across area to create obstacles and 'traps'

Alternative: Spots, hoops, or chalk circles

Sun Markers

8-12

Mark clear playing area boundaries for safety

Alternative: Cones, spots, or playground markings

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Quickly changing direction to avoid being caught or to move into space

Evasion

Escaping or avoiding someone who is trying to catch you

Body position

How we hold our body - low position with bent knees helps us change direction quickly

Planting foot

Placing your foot firmly on the ground to push off in a new direction

Defenders

Players trying to stop us or catch us in a game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running with control and awareness of space
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Simple direction changes while moving

Current Skills

Effective dodging technique with low body position
Quick direction changes using foot placement
Application of dodging in game situations

Next Steps

Combining dodging with other locomotor skills
Using dodging in team games and sports
Advanced evasion techniques in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance during quick direction changes

Keeps head up while dodging to see space and threats

Successfully evades taggers in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Dodging technique requires head up, low body position, and planted foot for direction change
Spatial awareness is crucial - students must watch for multiple threats and obstacles
Quick decision making improves with practice and confidence building
Teamwork enhances individual success - students can help each other avoid taggers
Progressive challenge builds from basic dodging to complex multi-constraint situations
Safety comes first - controlled movements and gentle tagging are essential
Reflection and analysis help students understand why certain techniques work

Common Misconceptions

Dodging is just about running fast - actually technique and timing are more important
Looking down helps with balance - actually head up improves awareness and balance
Dodging late is safer - actually early anticipation and smooth movement is more effective
Only fast students can dodge well - actually technique and intelligence matter more than pure speed
Dodging is only useful in tag games - actually it transfers to many sports and activities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive behaviour reinforcement, regular movement breaks built into structure

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination skills, simplified movement patterns initially, larger target areas, verbal cues for body positioning

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, predictable routine structure, quiet space available if needed, simplified rules with visual supports

visual impairment

Use bright coloured markers and balls, clear verbal descriptions of space and boundaries, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for direction

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, written rule cards, clear demonstrations, use of hand signals and gestures

physical disability

Modify tagging rules for wheelchair users, adjust space size as needed, alternative roles such as timekeeper or coach, seated dodging activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and tagged players, measuring distances between markers, angles of direction changes, timing activities

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, friction between feet and ground, balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Direction vocabulary (left, right, forward, back), spatial concepts, mapping movement around obstacles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when caught, fair play and honesty, helping others learn and improve

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all students, position near potential problem areas

Observation Focus

Watch for correct dodging technique, safe play, appropriate effort levels, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play observed, provide technique correction when needed, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for dodging technique. Show common mistakes and corrections. Highlight good examples from students during activities.

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Get low like a racing car!'
•'Plant and push off!'
•'Quick feet, quick thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, preferably outdoor playground or large indoor hall

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage and secure grip
•Markers/cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible
•Boundaries clearly marked to prevent collisions with walls or obstacles

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during quick direction changes
•Falls due to loss of balance during dodging movements
•Overexertion from continuous running and dodging
•Rough tagging leading to injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Emphasis on controlled movements and spatial awareness
•Regular breaks to prevent overexertion
•Strict rules about gentle tagging technique
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of students
•Monitor energy levels and signs of fatigue
•Watch for students who may need additional support
•Ensure rules are being followed correctly

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, immediate assessment of any incidents, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation route identified