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Lesson 2 - Dodging and Evasion Skills

Tactics & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

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

Soft Dodgeballs

12-15

Check balls are soft and safe for impact

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls (for younger students)

Coloured Cones

16 (4 sets of 4 colours)

Ensure different colours are clearly distinguishable

Alternative: Coloured spots, markers, or bean bags

Sun Markers

6-9 sets

Mark clear boundaries for dodgeball courts

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings

Stopwatch

For timing quick feet activities

Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock

Video Device

For assessment evidence collection

Alternative: Tablet, phone camera, or observation sheets

SAQ Ladders

3-4

If available, set up for additional agility work

Alternative: Chalk ladder markings or rope patterns

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being hit by a ball

Trajectory

The path a ball takes when thrown through the air

Evasion

Skilfully avoiding or escaping from something

Quick feet

Fast, light movements on the balls of your feet

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to objects and people around you

Reaction time

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

Consistent use of balls of feet for movement

Effective directional changes under pressure

Positive team communication and support

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