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Lesson 5 - Rolling with Accuracy

Throwing, Kicking & Rolling Skills

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Nursery

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Target Games

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53 min

Big Question

How can we roll a ball to hit exactly where we want it to go?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate rolling technique using sideways stance
To understand that balls travel along the ground when rolled correctly
To demonstrate safe practice when participating in target games

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to roll a ball with improved accuracy using correct technique
Students will understand the importance of ground-level ball travel
Students will show consideration for safety in target game activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Game Balls

15-20

Half on each side of hall for warm-up

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Tennis Balls

1 per child (30)

In baskets around hall perimeter

Alternative: Small rubber balls, bean bags

Dish Cones

20-30

Various sizes for different activities

Alternative: Plastic cups, markers

Large Soft Balls

Centre of court for main activity

Alternative: Balloon balls, beach balls

Hoops

6-8

Spread around area as 'holes'

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Shuttles

Set up midway between groups

Alternative: Plastic bottles, cones

Key Vocabulary

Rolling

Sending a ball along the ground by releasing it with a smooth action

Sideways stance

Standing with one foot forward and body turned to the side

Accuracy

Hitting the target or getting close to where you aimed

Target

Something you aim at when rolling the ball

Bend

Making your knees go down to get lower to the ground

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can hold and release a ball safely
Understands basic throwing movements
Can follow simple instructions

Current Skills

Rolling with sideways stance and bent knees
Aiming at targets with improved accuracy
Understanding ground-level ball travel

Next Steps

Rolling with consistent power control
Strategic target selection
Understanding spin and direction

Milestone Indicators

Uses sideways stance naturally

Ball travels smoothly along ground

Can hit large targets consistently

Key Teaching Points

Sideways stance with opposite foot forward is crucial for accurate rolling
Ball must stay on ground throughout roll - no bouncing or throwing
Bend knees to get low to ground for smooth release
Look at target before rolling, not at ball during release
Practice with both hands to develop bilateral coordination
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just accuracy
Safety first - controlled retrieval of balls and equipment

Common Misconceptions

Children think rolling harder always means more accurate - teach controlled power
Belief that throwing and rolling are the same - emphasise ground contact throughout
Assumption that dominant hand will always be better - encourage both-hand practice
Thinking accuracy comes immediately - emphasise practice and gradual improvement
Misconception that technique doesn't matter if you hit target - reinforce proper form

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear physical boundaries for activities

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration and practice time

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of setup, pair with sighted peer for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, written instruction cards, clear hand signals for start/stop

physical disability

Seated rolling variations, larger balls for easier handling, shorter distances to targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rolls in golf game, scoring points, measuring distances to targets, understanding numbers and quantities

Science

Forces and motion - understanding how balls travel, gravity keeping balls on ground, cause and effect in target hitting

Geography

Directional language (North, South, East, West), spatial awareness, mapping course layouts

PSHE

Turn-taking, cooperation in team games, managing emotions in competitive situations, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all children, position in corner during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways stance adoption, ball staying on ground, safe movement around equipment

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if technique is unsafe, provide individual support for struggling children, manage competitive emotions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate technique slowly first, then at normal speed, invite confident children to model good technique, use exaggerated movements for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways like a soldier!'
•'Bend those knees!'
•'Keep it on the ground!'
•'Look at your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for rolling balls safely

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are intact and safe to handle
•Confirm skittles are stable and unbreakable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips when moving quickly to collect balls
•Collisions when multiple children retrieving equipment
•Balls rolling under feet causing trips
•Children running into stationary 'bridge' players

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Controlled ball retrieval with teacher supervision
•Adequate spacing between groups and individuals
•Stop signals clearly understood and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during ball activities
•Monitor equipment retrieval areas closely
•Watch for overexcitement during competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed