Lesson 2 - Dodging and Movement
Striking & Fielding Basics
•Year 5
•Danish Longball
•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 I use movement and quick reactions to become impossible to hit in a game?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dodging skills with quick, reactive movements
- To throw accurately with increasing power and low trajectory
- To work collaboratively in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques using quick feet and body positioning
- Students will throw balls with improved accuracy and power for game situations
- Students will show teamwork and sportsmanship in various group activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around playing area for easy access
Alternative: Soft sponge balls, bean bags
Set up in 5m x 5m squares for dodging practice
Alternative: Markers, spots, coloured bibs
Mark 2-3 dodgeball courts depending on space
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings
Laid flat for agility practice
Alternative: Chalk ladder patterns, cone patterns
For timing rotations and activities
Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being hit by a thrown ball
The path a ball follows through the air when thrown
The ability to move quickly and change direction smoothly
Predicting where the ball will go before it's thrown
Skilfully avoiding or escaping from the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Simple movement patterns in different directions
- Understanding of team game rules and cooperation
Current Skills
- Quick reactive footwork and agility
- Evasive body movements and spatial awareness
- Accurate throwing under pressure
Next Steps
- Advanced game tactics in Danish Longball
- Leadership skills in competitive situations
- Complex throwing strategies and deception
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain light, bouncy footwork on balls of feet throughout all activities
- Keep eyes focused on ball and thrower, never look away or close eyes
- Use quick, small steps rather than large movements for better control
- Change direction unpredictably to make yourself difficult to hit
- Encourage positive teamwork and sportsmanship in all competitive activities
- Throw safely below shoulder height only, with controlled power
- Build confidence through progressive skill development from simple to complex
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking bigger movements are better - actually quick, small adjustments are more effective
- Believing you should look away from the ball - always keep eyes on the threat
- Assuming dodging is just about speed - timing and direction changes are equally important
- Thinking individual skill is most important - teamwork and cooperation are essential
- Believing harder throws are always better - accuracy and placement are more valuable
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear breaks, simple instructions repeated, movement breaks between skills
dyspraxia
- Larger target areas, slower ball speeds initially, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for starts/stops, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
- Adapted throwing distances, seated dodge ball option, modified movement patterns
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting in multiples during warm-up, measuring court dimensions, calculating success rates and scores
Science
Forces in throwing, friction and grip, reaction time and nervous system responses
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, showing resilience when eliminated
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position to observe multiple activities, rotate between groups during skill development
Observation Focus
Watch for correct dodging technique, positive teamwork, and safe throwing practices
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes dangerous, if students are struggling with skills, or if teamwork breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Show exaggerated dodging movements for clarity, demonstrate safe throwing technique, model positive encouragement language
Verbal Cues
- •'Light on your feet!'
- •'Watch the ball, not the thrower!'
- •'Quick direction changes!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for quick directional changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam balls only - no leather or hard balls
- •Cones checked for damage and sharp edges
- •Court boundaries clearly marked to prevent collisions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during rapid movement
- •Ball impacts if thrown too hard or at head height
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries between activity areas
- •Emphasis on controlled throwing - no head shots
- •Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles
- •Regular hydration breaks in hot weather
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor throwing technique to ensure safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid protocols, contact office if needed