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Lesson 2 - Dodging & Spatial Awareness

Strategic Foundations

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Year 8

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can we use scientific principles of movement and reaction time to become expert dodgers?

Learning Objectives

Develop advanced dodging techniques using quick footwork and spatial awareness
Work collaboratively in teams to improve individual and group performance
Apply biomechanical principles to enhance evasion skills

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques with improved agility and reaction time
Students will work cooperatively in various group contexts to support peer learning
Students will understand the science behind movement patterns and apply this knowledge practically

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 (multiple sizes if available)

Place around court perimeters for easy access during games

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or bean bags for modified activities

Cones

22 flat cones

Mark circle boundaries (15-20m diameter) and court divisions

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or sports hall lines

Coloured Cones

16 cones (4 sets of 4 different colours)

Set up 5m x 5m squares for agility training stations

Alternative: Coloured bean bags, bibs, or laminated colour cards

SAQ Ladders

4-6 ladders (if available)

Position parallel to walls for safety and easy rotation

Alternative: Chalk ladder patterns or cone markers for footwork drills

Stopwatch

2-3 watches

For timing rotation periods and activity durations

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps or visible wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Dodging

Moving quickly to avoid being hit by an object through evasive action

Evasion

The act of avoiding or escaping from danger through movement

Quick feet

Rapid, controlled foot movements that maintain balance and agility

Spatial awareness

Understanding of position relative to objects and boundaries in the environment

Agility

The ability to move quickly and change direction efficiently

Reaction time

The speed at which the body responds to a stimulus

Movement patterns

Coordinated sequences of body movements for specific purposes

Sidestepping

Moving laterally by stepping sideways while maintaining forward-facing body position

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic running and jumping movements from Year 7
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Simple throwing and catching skills
Basic teamwork and following instructions

Current Skills

Advanced dodging techniques with quick feet movements
Multi-directional agility and reaction skills
Tactical awareness in competitive situations
Peer coaching and feedback skills

Next Steps

Complex dodging patterns in invasion games
Leadership roles in competitive team sports
Advanced tactical decision-making under pressure
Sports-specific agility and evasion techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent dodging success rate above 70% in practice

Smooth transitions between different directional movements

Ability to dodge while maintaining visual awareness of surroundings

Effective communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Maintain athletic ready position with knees bent and weight forward throughout all activities
Emphasise quick, light footwork over large, slow movements for effective dodging
Keep eyes up and head forward to maintain spatial awareness during movement
Use positive, specific coaching language that references observable technique elements
Connect all activities back to dodging success criteria established at lesson start
Balance competitive elements with skill development and inclusive participation
Reinforce below-waist throwing rule consistently for safety and fairness

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bigger movements are better - correct with emphasis on quick, controlled actions
Focusing only on ball avoidance rather than maintaining athletic position - emphasise technique over outcome
Believing catching ability is most important in dodgeball - redirect focus to pure dodging skills
Assuming faster is always better - highlight controlled movement quality over speed
Thinking individual performance matters most - reinforce teamwork and peer support values
Believing dodging is just about moving away - teach lateral and forward movement options

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback, physical activity breaks between discussions

dyspraxia

Larger, softer equipment, reduced complexity in multi-tasking activities, additional practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedules of activities, quiet zones available, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use bright, contrasting coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of spatial setup, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for directions, written instruction cards, facing student when speaking

physical disability

Seated dodging variations, adapted throwing distances, modified court sizes, alternative role as coach/referee

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and geometry - calculating optimal movement paths and understanding spatial relationships

Science

Forces and motion - understanding acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction in human movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping - understanding position, direction, and movement in defined spaces

PSHE

Teamwork and communication - developing interpersonal skills, resilience, and emotional regulation under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups during skills practice, central position during whole-class discussions

Observation Focus

Monitor technique development, spatial awareness, peer interaction quality, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules broken, technique significantly incorrect, or negative social interactions occurring

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Quick feet, light feet!'
•'Eyes up, head up!'
•'Low and balanced!'
•'Change direction!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate footwear enforced

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Dodgeballs appropriately inflated and soft enough for age group
•Cones securely placed and checked for damage
•SAQ ladders flat and stable if used
•Clear storage area for equipment during activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during high-intensity movement
•Slips and falls on smooth surfaces
•Ball strikes above waist height
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced consistently
•Below-waist throwing rule maintained throughout
•Adequate spacing between activity areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular hydration breaks during extended activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility across all activity areas
•Monitor high-activity zones during game application
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, notify relevant staff if serious