Footwork & Evasion

Lesson Overview

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Year Group: Year 9
Unit: Touch Rugby Skills Mastery (Lesson 3 of 6)
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Number of Students: 30

Curriculum Links

National Curriculum for Physical Education (England):

• Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
• Engage in competitive sports and activities.
• Develop an understanding of tactics and strategies in gameplay.

Key Stage 3 Focus:

• Use a range of tactics and strategies in team games.
• Develop technique and improve performance.
• Take part in activities that develop agility, balance, and coordination.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Execute effective footwork techniques to change direction quickly.
2. Demonstrate agility and evasion skills to avoid defenders in touch rugby.
3. Apply movement strategies in gameplay, improving spatial awareness.

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Lesson Structure (60 minutes)

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes) - Dynamic Movement Sequence

Focus: Activate muscles, improve mobility, and introduce directional changes.

• Jogging & Directional Changes: Students jog in a 20m x 20m square, responding to teacher commands such as "left", "right", "back", "sprint".
• Ladder Drills: Using agility ladders for fast footwork exercises (high knees, lateral movements).
• Mirror Reaction: Paired activity where one student moves randomly, and the other must mirror their movements to develop reaction time.

👉 Teaching Tip: Encourage students to keep their knees bent and be light on their feet.

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2. Skill Development (20 minutes) - Footwork Foundations & Evasion Techniques

A) Change of Direction Drill (10 minutes)

Focus: Sharp turns and quick foot movements.

• Set-Up:
  • Mark out four agility cones in a zig-zag formation, 5 metres apart.
  • Students sprint to each cone while changing direction rapidly.
• Challenge: Decrease the distance between cones to increase reaction speed.
• Coaching Points:
  • Keep centre of gravity low.
  • Small, quick steps when changing direction.
  • Head up to maintain spatial awareness.

B) Evasion Tag (10 minutes)

Focus: Practical application of evasion in a controlled setting.

• Set-Up:
  • In pairs, one player is the attacker, the other the defender.
  • Attackers must reach a cone without being touched.
• Progression:
  • Increase the space to allow for greater movement decisions.
  • Introduce fakes (dummy movements) to enhance elusiveness.

👉 Teaching Tip: Encourage creativity – can they deceive the defender with unexpected movements?

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3. Game-Based Learning (15 minutes) - Small-Sided Touch Rugby

Focus: Application of footwork and evasion in a live game scenario.

• Set-Up: 5v5 games in a 20m x 20m grid, rotating after 3-minute rounds.
• Game Rule: Players must perform at least one change of direction before attempting to score.
• Observation Focus (Teacher's Role):
  • Are students using their footwork techniques effectively?
  • Are they making quick decisions when evading defenders?
  • Are they maintaining good spatial awareness?

👉 Adaptation: If students are struggling, reduce defensive pressure by allowing defenders to walk instead of run.

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4. Cool Down & Reflection (10 minutes) - Mobility & Discussion

A) Cool Down (5 minutes)

• Static Stretching: Hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and hip flexors.
• Breathing Exercise: Deep breaths in for four seconds, out for four seconds to relax the body.

B) Class Discussion (5 minutes)

Key Questions:

• What was the most effective way to evade a defender?
• How can these footwork techniques be used in other sports?
• What was challenging, and how could you improve next lesson?

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Assessment for Learning (AfL) Strategies

• Teacher Observations: Monitor player movements during drills and games.
• Peer Feedback: Students pair up and provide constructive feedback on agility and evasion.
• Self-Reflection: Exit cards with one key learning takeaway from today’s session.

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Differentiation Strategies

✔ For Higher Ability: Introduce opposed drills, where defenders actively try to intercept the runner.
✔ For Lower Ability: Allow more time to react by slowing the pace of drills or using visual cues.
✔ For SEN/Injury Considerations: Use walking versions of drills and allow modified participation where appropriate.

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Equipment Needed

✅ Agility cones
✅ Touch rugby balls (for game play)
✅ Agility ladders
✅ Whistle

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Homework / Extended Learning

• Challenge Task: Watch a professional touch rugby match and identify three footwork techniques used by players.
• Optional Practical Task: Practise fast feet drills at home (e.g., using a skipping rope).

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Teacher Reflection Notes (Post-Lesson Evaluation)

• Were the students engaged throughout the session?
• Did all students show improvement in their footwork and evasion?
• How can the skills from this session be developed in the next lesson?

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🌟 Why This Lesson Plan Stands Out

✔ Incorporates Active Learning: Engaging drills and game-based learning.
✔ Encourages Tactical Thinking: Students must think when and how to evade.
✔ Inclusive & Adaptive: Differentiation strategies ensure every student can succeed.

🔥 Get ready for a high-energy, fast-paced lesson that will challenge your students while keeping them engaged! 🚀