Lesson 5 - Agility Through Direction Changes
Fitness Components Challenge
•Year 5
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we train our bodies to change direction quickly and efficiently?
Learning Objectives
- To understand what agility means and why it's important for movement
- To perform actions that develop agility using correct technique
- To demonstrate the ability to change direction quickly and safely
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain agility and identify when it's used in sport and daily life
- Students will demonstrate improved technique when changing direction at speed
- Students will work cooperatively to motivate teammates during challenging fitness activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distribute around activity area, ensure different colours if available
Alternative: Markers, spot discs, tennis balls in containers
Ensure students know how to operate basic timing functions
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, countdown timer on screen
Key Vocabulary
The ability to change direction quickly while maintaining control and balance
The distance between your feet when standing or moving
Using the opposite foot to drive in the intended direction
Rotating the hips to face the direction you want to travel
How quickly you can respond to a signal or stimulus
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping techniques
- Understanding of personal space and safety
- Experience with partner work activities
Current Skills
- Agility and quick direction changes
- Using correct body position for movement efficiency
- Working cooperatively in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Applying agility skills in game situations
- Developing sport-specific agility patterns
- Creating agility training programmes
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Agility requires both speed and control - technique must not be sacrificed for pace
- Body position is crucial - knees bent, small foot base, weight on balls of feet
- Direction changes are initiated by hip turn, followed by appropriate foot positioning
- Push-off technique uses opposite foot to intended direction for maximum power
- Positive encouragement and teamwork are essential during challenging fitness activities
- Progressive overload through increased challenge while maintaining safety
- Real-world applications help students understand the relevance of agility skills
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think agility is just about running fast - emphasise control and technique
- Some believe bigger steps are better - demonstrate advantage of small, quick steps
- May think agility is only for sport - show everyday applications like avoiding obstacles
- Could assume natural ability can't be improved - emphasise that agility can be trained
- Might think encouraging teammates isn't important - show how motivation improves performance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time, focus on one technique at a time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual timetables, create quiet zones, give advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured or textured cones, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, pair with sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify movements for wheelchair users or reduced mobility, adjust cone spacing, focus on upper body agility where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances between cones, timing activities, counting repetitions and calculating improvement percentages
Science
Understanding forces in movement, how muscles work during direction changes, reaction times and body systems during exercise
Geography
Directional vocabulary, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around areas
PSHE
Teamwork skills, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others, managing emotions during competitive activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the area to observe all groups, spend extra time with students showing poor technique
Observation Focus
Watch for correct body position during direction changes, note student cooperation and encouragement
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, when students are becoming too competitive, or when someone is struggling
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements so all students can see clearly. Use students who demonstrate good technique as examples. Show common mistakes and corrections.
Verbal Cues
- •'Bend those knees like you're sitting down!'
- •'Small quick steps, not big slow ones!'
- •'Push off hard with that back foot!'
- •'Turn your hips first, then your feet follow!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, wet patches or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
- •Ensure cones are placed securely and won't move unexpectedly
- •Verify adequate equipment for all students to avoid sharing delays
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during direction changes
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Overexertion during intense agility activities
- •Injuries from poor landing or turning technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
- •Progressive skill building from slow to fast movements
- •Regular technique reminders focusing on controlled movements
- •Adequate rest periods built into all activities
- •Emphasis on technique over speed throughout lesson
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe maximum number of active students
- •Pay particular attention during competitive game phases
- •Monitor fatigue levels especially during timed challenges
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate contact during tagging games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, arrange further medical support if needed