🏈

Lesson 1 - Dodging and Tagging Introduction

Strategic Movement & Communication

•

Year 4

•

Flag Football

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I use my body to successfully dodge opponents whilst staying balanced and ready to move?

Learning Objectives

To develop dodging skills using both feet to evade opponents
To understand and apply effective tagging techniques in gameplay
To demonstrate understanding of defensive positioning in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dodging movements with weight transfer
Students will show accurate tagging techniques whilst maintaining fair play
Students will position themselves effectively when defending and attacking

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

2 per student (60 total)

Pre-distribute around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, coloured bandanas

Soft Dodgeballs

8-10 balls

Available at each activity station

Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls, bean bags

Dish Cones

20 cones

Mark corners, lines and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Spot markers, small equipment

Markers

4 markers

Create clear target lines for feinting practice

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being tagged by changing direction

Tagging

Removing an opponent's flag belt to stop their progress

Feinting

Pretending to move in one direction before going another way

Sideways on

Positioning your body at an angle to see both the ball and opponent

Hand-off

Safely transferring the ball from quarterback to running back

Peripheral awareness

Being aware of what's happening around you whilst focusing ahead

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping skills
Simple directional movement
Understanding of team games concepts

Current Skills

Weight transfer for dodging
Effective tagging technique
Sideways defensive positioning
Hand-off coordination

Next Steps

Advanced feinting and dodging combinations
Strategic team play and positioning
Game-specific tactics and rules

Milestone Indicators

Smooth weight transfer during dodging

Consistent successful tags during gameplay

Quick decision-making in attacking/defending situations

Key Teaching Points

Weight transfer is fundamental to effective dodging - foot, knee and shoulder must align
Sideways positioning in defence allows vision of both ball and opponent
Hand-off technique requires secure pocket formation and timing
Fair play and safety are non-negotiable in all tagging activities
Feinting requires commitment to the false direction before changing
Peripheral awareness during ball carrying prevents collisions
Teamwork in attack and defence is more effective than individual effort

Common Misconceptions

Students think dodging is just running fast - emphasise technique over speed
Believing tagging means grabbing clothing instead of flag belts only
Assuming bigger students always win - demonstrate how technique beats size
Thinking defence means standing still - show active, mobile defending
Believing games are just about winning - emphasise skill development and fair play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Slower movement patterns initially, extra practice time for hand-offs, larger equipment where appropriate

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured flag belts, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated versions with upper body movements, modified equipment distances, adapted tagging rules

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion during dodging, balance and centre of gravity, reaction times in defence

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respecting opponents and celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for full group visibility, position in centre during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct weight transfer, safe tagging technique, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with hand-off technique or unsafe play during games

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for weight transfer, demonstrate at normal then slow speed, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Shift your weight first!'
•'Get sideways on!'
•'Secure the ball before you move!'
•'Fair play only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor/outdoor space, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check flag belts for secure attachment and easy release
•Ensure balls are appropriately inflated and sized for age group
•Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during simultaneous running in warm-up
•Falls during dodging and direction changes
•Contact during tagging activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and visible
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movements and fair play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during team tag
•Monitor high-activity central areas during dodging practice
•Move between groups during game application

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, modify activities if needed