Lesson 1 - Dodging and Tagging Introduction
Strategic Movement & Communication
•Year 4
•Flag Football
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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
Pre-distribute around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, coloured bandanas
Available at each activity station
Alternative: Rugby balls, foam balls, bean bags
Mark corners, lines and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Spot markers, small equipment
Create clear target lines for feinting practice
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being tagged by changing direction
Removing an opponent's flag belt to stop their progress
Pretending to move in one direction before going another way
Positioning your body at an angle to see both the ball and opponent
Safely transferring the ball from quarterback to running back
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
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