Lesson 2 - Dodging and Movement Tactics
Game Intelligence Training
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use quick movements and awareness to become impossible to hit?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dodging skills through quick footwork and evasive movements
- To understand timing and positioning when moving to attack in dodgeball
- To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during competitive games
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved dodging techniques using quick feet and body positioning
- Students will show awareness of opposition movements and time their attacks effectively
- Students will work cooperatively with teammates to develop successful dodging strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are soft and safe for throwing at children
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or small playground balls
4 different colours needed for Quick Feet activity
Alternative: Markers, spots, or improvised markers
Mark 2-3 dodgeball courts depending on class size
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or natural boundaries
Lay flat and secure if using for Quick Feet variations
Alternative: Marked lines on ground or taped patterns
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being hit by the ball
Skilfully avoiding or escaping from the ball
Rapid small steps to change direction quickly
Predicting where the ball will go before it's thrown
Where you place yourself on the court for best advantage
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Experience with simple games involving balls
Current Skills
- Quick footwork and agile movement
- Visual tracking of multiple objects and players
- Timing movements for attack and defence
Next Steps
- Advanced dodgeball tactics and team strategies
- Complex game situations with multiple balls
- Leadership roles in organising team play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Quick feet movement is essential for effective dodging - emphasise light, rapid steps
- Keep eyes on both ball and thrower to anticipate direction and timing
- Use variety of dodging techniques - ducking, sidestepping, jumping, rolling
- Maintain forward-facing posture when possible for quicker reactions
- Teamwork includes helping others improve, not just individual performance
- Safety first - below waist throws only, appropriate force for age group
- Progressive skill building from simple footwork to complex game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that standing still makes you harder to hit - emphasise constant movement
- Believing catching is always better than dodging - today focuses purely on evasion skills
- Assuming bigger movements are better - teach that small, quick adjustments are often more effective
- Thinking you need to see the ball to dodge - teach peripheral vision and anticipation skills
- Believing dodging is just about individual skill - emphasise teamwork and helping others improve
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks built into lesson structure
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, larger balls for easier tracking, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, clear verbal instructions for all movements, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated dodging variations, modified throwing distances, alternative movement patterns as appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring court dimensions, counting successful dodges, calculating angles of movement and evasion
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, reaction times, balance and centre of gravity during dodging
Geography
Using directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork skills, resilience when facing challenges, managing competitive emotions positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups/courts for optimal supervision, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Quick feet technique, dodging success rate, teamwork and sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing too hard, poor sportsmanship, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples, demonstrate dodging techniques clearly, emphasise safety throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick feet, light steps!'
- •'Eyes on the ball and the thrower!'
- •'Help your teammates improve!'
- •'Fantastic dodge - show us again!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground area, minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, checked for slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam balls checked for damage and appropriate softness
- •Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges
- •SAQ ladders laid flat and secured if used
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or face area
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established and enforced
- •Below-waist throwing rule strictly applied
- •Adequate rest periods between high-intensity activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor throwing force and target areas
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and rule adherence
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required