Lesson 2 - Dodging and Evasion Skills
Tactics & Team Dynamics
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we become unpredictable and elusive to avoid being hit while maintaining awareness of multiple threats?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective dodging techniques using quick feet and directional changes
- To improve spatial awareness and reaction time under pressure
- To demonstrate excellent teamwork and collaborative learning in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently dodge balls using low stances and quick directional changes
- Students will demonstrate improved reaction times and spatial awareness
- Students will work effectively in teams, supporting and encouraging others
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are soft and safe for impact
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls (for younger students)
Ensure different colours are clearly distinguishable
Alternative: Coloured spots, markers, or bean bags
Mark clear boundaries for dodgeball courts
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings
For timing quick feet activities
Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock
For assessment evidence collection
Alternative: Tablet, phone camera, or observation sheets
If available, set up for additional agility work
Alternative: Chalk ladder markings or rope patterns
Key Vocabulary
Moving quickly to avoid being hit by a ball
The path a ball takes when thrown through the air
Skilfully avoiding or escaping from something
Fast, light movements on the balls of your feet
Understanding where you are in relation to objects and people around you
How quickly you respond to something happening
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Experience working in small groups
Current Skills
- Quick feet movement and agility
- Dodging and evasion techniques
- Collaborative learning and peer coaching
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques for accuracy and power
- Strategic team play and positioning
- Leadership skills in competitive situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always maintain eyes on the ball to anticipate trajectory and react quickly
- Use quick, light movements on the balls of feet for maximum agility and speed
- Keep changing direction and movement patterns to remain unpredictable
- Never turn your back on throwers - maintain forward-facing position when possible
- Use peripheral vision to track multiple threats while staying alert
- Stay low and balanced to enable rapid direction changes
- Communicate with team-mates to provide warnings and encouragement
Common Misconceptions
- That dodging means just moving fast - actually requires controlled, strategic movement
- That bigger steps are better - quick, small adjustments are more effective
- That you should watch your feet while moving - eyes must stay on the ball
- That standing still and ducking is effective - continuous movement is essential
- That dodging is purely reactive - anticipation and reading the game is crucial
- That only individual skill matters - teamwork and communication are vital components
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, clear movement boundaries, immediate positive feedback, leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Larger targets and equipment, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines, advance warning of transitions between activities
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal cues for spatial awareness, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for game start/stop
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards, vibration signals if available
physical disability
- Seated dodging version using upper body movements, modified court size, alternative roles like coaching or scoring, adapted equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting in multiples during warm-up, measuring distances for court setup, timing activities, calculating scores and statistics
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times and nervous system, muscle groups used in quick movements, physics of evasion
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, directions and navigation around courts, understanding of relative positions
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and communication skills, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with visibility of all courts, move between courts to provide specific feedback and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Quick feet technique, spatial awareness, positive team communication, compliance with dodging-only rule
Intervention Points
Step in if students attempt catching/blocking, provide technique reminders for struggling students, manage competitive elements positively
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate good technique for visibility - bouncing on toes, quick side-steps, keeping eyes focused on ball
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick feet, light feet!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Keep moving, change direction!'
- •'Great dodging, [name]!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts and warm-up activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry conditions, free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Only soft foam balls to be used - check for tears or hard areas
- •Cones have no sharp edges and are stable
- •Court boundaries clearly marked with non-slip materials
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to face/head area
- •Collisions between students during rapid movement
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Overcrowding in small spaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise no catching/blocking to reduce collision risk
- •Clear court boundaries with adequate space between courts
- •Soft balls only policy strictly enforced
- •Progressive skill building from controlled to game situations
- •Adequate warm-up to prepare muscles for rapid movement
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility across all courts
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game play
- •Watch for fatigue affecting movement quality
- •Ensure students follow no catching/blocking rule
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed