Lesson 4 - Dodging and Space Awareness
Tactical Skill Development
•Year 2
•Invasion Games
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How can I dodge cleverly to beat defenders and close down space when defending?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dodging skills to beat opponents
- To understand how to close down space when defending
- To apply attacking and defending principles in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques
- Students will show understanding of defensive positioning
- Students will apply attacking and defending principles in small games
Equipment & Resources Required
Available for teachers during warm-up
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls
Distributed around area perimeter
Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags
For creating gates and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots
For NESW activity organisation
Alternative: Coloured markers
Key Vocabulary
To quickly change direction to avoid a defender
The area around players that can be used for movement
A player trying to stop the attacker
A player trying to reach a target or goal
Moving closer to reduce an attacker's options
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping
- Simple direction changes
- Understanding of personal space
Current Skills
- Dodging to beat opponents
- Defensive positioning
- Space awareness in games
Next Steps
- Complex dodging sequences
- Team defensive strategies
- Advanced invasion game tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sharp direction changes are more effective than gradual turns
- Defenders should close space quickly but maintain safe distance
- Attackers need to keep eyes up to see space and defenders
- Ball control must be maintained throughout dodging movements
- Team success requires communication and supporting teammates
- Understanding when to attack fast and when to slow down
- Using both left and right dodges to be unpredictable
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking dodging means running randomly without purpose - address with controlled practice
- Believing defenders should stand still and wait - teach active space closing
- Assuming faster is always better - emphasise control and timing
- Focusing only on beating one defender - develop awareness of team context
- Not understanding that dodging requires practice - build confidence gradually
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with breaks, clear simple instructions, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment and increased space
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet zone available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones for boundaries, verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated dodging movements, modified ball passing, adapted distances and slower pace
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful dodges, measuring distances for activities, understanding left and right directions
Science
Forces needed for direction changes, balance and stability, reaction times
Geography
Understanding compass directions (NESW), spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when activities are challenging, respecting others in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for controlled dodging technique, safe contact levels, understanding of space
Intervention Points
Step in if contact becomes too rough, support struggling individuals, clarify rules
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique, select students to model good practice
Verbal Cues
- •'Sharp changes!'
- •'Eyes up!'
- •'Soft hands for passing!'
- •'Stay balanced!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor playground area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from hazards, adequate grip for direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only for throwing activities
- •Rugby balls checked for proper inflation
- •Cones placed away from running areas
- •Clear boundaries marked
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during dodging activities
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Contact during tagging
- •Ball strikes during throwing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear personal space boundaries established
- •Gentle tagging rules enforced
- •Adequate spacing between groups
- •Controlled throwing with soft balls only
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activities
- •Monitor contact levels during tagging
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure equal participation
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid accessible, clear evacuation route maintained