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      Partner activities: playing against each other

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can play against a partner, following the rules, ensuring we both succeed and have fun.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: moving into space, dodging and speeding up will help us to be successful.
      2. Think: reflecting on the rules and making changes to keep it fair ensures everyone has fun.
      3. Feel: being honest and stopping when tagged enables the game to flow.
      4. Connect: adapting the rules of a game makes it fair, ensuring that everyone succeeds and enjoys it.

      Keywords

      • Dodging - quickly changing direction to avoid being caught

      • Fair - respecting everyone as an equal, by playing with honesty and respect

      • Rules - a guide that describes how to play a game

      Common misconception

      Pupils push or hit their partner too hard when they are the chaser. Pupils bump into each other playing tag.

      Teach pupils how to tag and remind them to tap gently. Remind pupils to slow down or dodge to avoid collisions.

      Teacher tip

      Instead of a whistle, you can play music while pupils pass equipment, then stop the music as a signal for pupils to begin the tag game.

      Equipment

      whistle, selection of balls and beanbags

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we look for to avoid bumping into other people?

      faces
      shadows
      Correct answer: space

      Q2.
      What do we call someone you play or work with?

      a pair
      Correct answer: a partner
      a player

      Q3.
      What do we show by playing fairly?

      courage
      empathy
      Correct answer: honesty

      Q4.
      What do we mean by 'speeding up'?

      jogging
      Correct answer: moving faster
      moving slower

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How do we ‘tag’ so no one gets hurt?

      hit
      push
      Correct answer: tap gently

      Q2.
      Why might you decide to change the rules of a game?

      Correct answer: to make it fair
      so you win
      to trick others

      Q3.
      What do we follow to play a game correctly?

      Correct Answer: the rules, the instructions

      Q4.
      What do we show when we follow the rules correctly?

      courage
      Correct answer: honesty
      respect

      To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: Partner activities: playing against each other, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...