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Lesson 1 - Exploring Dodging Techniques

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 our body to quickly change direction and avoid obstacles or opponents?

Learning Objectives

To explore and develop effective dodging techniques
To understand when and why we need to dodge in physical activities
To apply dodging skills in game-like situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective dodging technique with head up and quick direction changes
Students will successfully avoid static and moving obstacles using appropriate footwork
Students will understand the tactical importance of dodging in various sports and games

Equipment & Resources Required

Dish Cones

20-30

Scattered randomly across playing area with 2-3 metre gaps

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk circles

Coloured Bibs

4-6 for mud monsters

Easy to identify mud monster defenders

Alternative: Different coloured bands or scarves

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Quickly changing direction to avoid an obstacle or opponent

Low body position

Bending knees and staying balanced ready to move quickly

Plant foot

Firmly placing one foot on the ground before changing direction

Space

An empty area where we can move safely without collision

Direction change

Moving from one way to another way quickly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping skills
Understanding of personal space
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Effective dodging technique with head up and low body position
Quick direction changes using planted foot and body lean
Spatial awareness when avoiding obstacles

Next Steps

Dodging with speed and fluency
Combining dodging with ball skills
Advanced dodging in competitive games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent head-up position during movement

Quick recovery after direction changes

Natural body lean when changing direction

Key Teaching Points

Head up position is crucial for spatial awareness and safety
Plant-Lean-Go technique provides foundation for all dodging movements
Encourage helping behaviour and teamwork throughout all activities
Quality of movement more important than speed
Connect dodging skills to real sports applications
Progressive difficulty from static to dynamic challenges
Emphasise controlled contact and fair play in all games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging is just about running fast - correct by emphasising technique and control
Believing you can't dodge backwards - demonstrate multi-directional dodging possibilities
Assuming bigger steps are better - show that smaller, quicker steps provide better control
Not understanding when to dodge - provide clear examples of sporting situations
Thinking individual performance is most important - reinforce team cooperation values

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for technique, simplified instruction sequence, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, quiet zones available, predictable structure with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured markers, verbal descriptions of area layout, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify to wheelchair-friendly dodging, use upper body movements, adapted distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful dodges, measuring distances between markers, understanding angles of movement

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, balance and centre of gravity, reaction time

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial relationships, navigation concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, perseverance when learning new skills, helping others in need

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for full visibility, enter activity space to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Technique quality over speed, spatial awareness, cooperation and helping behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when safety rules aren't followed, when students need technique support, or when game becomes too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Head up like a meerkat!'
•'Plant that foot!'
•'Lean and go!'
•'Help your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space, ideally larger for full class

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Markers placed with adequate spacing to prevent trips
•No sharp edges on cones or markers
•Equipment checked for stability

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dodging
•Falls due to quick direction changes
•Over-exertion during chasing games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Focus on high-activity areas during games
•Monitor students showing signs of fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal practiced, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route established