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Lesson 6 - Dodging and Losing Defenders

Ball Control & Team Tactics

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use my body to escape from defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective dodging techniques to lose defenders
To apply dodging skills in competitive game situations
To understand spatial awareness and movement patterns in invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident dodging movements with quick direction changes
Students will successfully lose defenders in small-sided game situations
Students will show improved decision-making when choosing where to move

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Scatter randomly across playing area for activities

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or playground chalk circles

Hoops

Place as scoring targets approximately 10m from start positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked targets

Balls

One ball per group of 4 students

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags, or rubber balls

Team bibs

Different colours for attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Quickly changing direction to avoid or escape from a defender

Defender

A player trying to stop the attacking team from scoring

Space

An empty area on the playing field where there are no defenders

Intercepting

Catching or stopping a pass meant for the other team

Bounce pass

Throwing the ball so it bounces once before reaching your teammate

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping safely
Simple throwing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Dodging with quick direction changes
Creating and finding space
Basic invasion game principles

Next Steps

More complex invasion game strategies
Advanced passing techniques
Team tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Student can change direction at speed while maintaining balance

Student actively seeks space away from defenders

Student demonstrates understanding of when to dodge versus when to pass

Key Teaching Points

Bend low when changing direction to maintain balance and control
Turn whole body to face new direction, not just the head
Push off outside foot when dodging to generate power
Accelerate into space after direction change to lose defenders
Move to support teammates by creating passing options
Use dodging to find space away from defenders
Apply honest self-regulation in competitive games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dodging is just running fast - emphasis on direction change quality
Only using dodging when you have the ball - importance of off-ball movement
Believing physical contact is allowed in invasion games - reinforce non-contact rules
Thinking the closest teammate is always the best passing option - teach spatial awareness
Assuming winning is more important than fair play - emphasise sportsmanship values

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear simple instructions, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Slower practice speed, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time

autism spectrum

Clear visual boundaries, consistent routines, quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of space, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards

physical disability

Adapted dodging movements, wheelchair-friendly versions, modified equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, expressing ideas about tactics, discussing feelings

Maths

Counting cone touches, measuring distances, time challenges, score keeping

Science

Forces and motion, balance and stability, reaction times

PSHE

Teamwork, honesty, fair play, empathy for others' feelings

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to maintain visual contact with all students

Observation Focus

Watch for effective dodging technique, safe play, and positive interaction between students

Intervention Points

Step in if students are not following safety rules or if dodging technique needs correction

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show dodging technique clearly, model safe play throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Bend low and push off!'
•'Turn your whole body!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Slow down before the cone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, suitable for multiple small group activities

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are appropriately inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are in good condition without breaks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic dodging movements
•Falls when changing direction at speed
•Ball impact from passes and throws

Risk Mitigation

•Clear personal space boundaries established
•Controlled speed limits during activities
•No physical contact rules enforced
•Progressive skill building from slow to game speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Monitor collision risks during partner activities
•Ensure fair play and rule compliance in games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid or support