⚪

Lesson 4 - Bouncing and Catching with Control

Ball Mastery & Exploration

•

Reception

•

Ball Skills

•

40 min

Big Question

How can we use the 'magic moment' to become brilliant ball catchers?

Learning Objectives

To develop bouncing and catching a ball with increasing control
To understand the concept of the 'magic moment' when catching
To handle equipment effectively with good coordination

Key Outcomes

Students will bounce and catch a ball consistently using two hands
Students will identify and use the 'magic moment' for successful catching
Students will move safely while handling balls with good spatial awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

30 (1 per child)

Pre-positioned around hall perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Large tennis balls, foam balls for easier catching

Cones

8-10

Mark boundaries and safe zones

Alternative: Markers, spots

Coloured Bibs

For identifying taggers in warm-up game

Alternative: Different coloured balls, wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Magic moment

The perfect time to catch a ball when it reaches its highest point after bouncing

Bouncing

Pushing a ball down so it comes back up from the ground

Two-handed catch

Using both hands together to grab and secure a ball

Safe space

An area away from walls and other people where you can move freely

Coordination

Making your hands, eyes and body work together smoothly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can hold and carry a ball safely
Beginning to throw and catch with adult support
Understands basic spatial awareness concepts

Current Skills

Coordinated bouncing and catching with two hands
Understanding timing for successful catches
Ball control through different movement patterns

Next Steps

Throwing and catching with a partner
Dribbling while moving in different directions
Simple target games with balls

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed catching after one bounce

Recognition of optimal catching timing

Smooth ball manipulation around body

Key Teaching Points

The magic moment occurs at the peak of the ball's bounce when it stops rising
Two-handed catching provides better control and safety than one-handed attempts
Eyes must track the ball throughout the entire bouncing and catching sequence
Controlled force when pushing the ball down leads to more predictable bounces
Moving feet to the ball's position is essential for successful catching
Persistence and practice lead to improvement in ball handling skills
Safe spacing and awareness of others prevents collisions during activities

Common Misconceptions

Children think harder bouncing is always better - teach controlled force appropriate to skill level
Belief that one hand is sufficient for catching - consistently reinforce two-handed technique
Assumption that watching the ball isn't important - emphasise eye tracking throughout all activities
Misconception that the magic moment is when the ball hits the ground - clarify it's at the peak
Thinking that catching immediately after releasing is correct - teach patience for proper bounce timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use movement breaks between seated discussions

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls, allow extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, provide hand-over-hand support when needed

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, allow sensory breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, assign sighted buddy for guidance and safety

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written command cards for remote control game, ensure child can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt to seated play with table-height bouncing, use lighter balls or balloons, modify catching distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion, cause and effect relationships, gravity effects on balls, push and pull forces

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal observation of all children, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for hand-eye coordination development, timing understanding, and safe equipment handling

Intervention Points

Step in when children show frustration, unsafe behaviour, or need individual skill support

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, repeat key concepts frequently, provide positive encouragement for all attempts

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands like catching a butterfly!'
•'Eyes on the ball - watch the magic!'
•'Gentle pushes keep the ball close!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space with 2m boundary from walls

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from water, toys, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure adequate ball-to-child ratio (1:1)
•Remove any balls with cracks or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face during bouncing activities
•Collisions between children during movement games
•Slips and falls on smooth surfaces
•Overcrowding in activity spaces

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between children (2m minimum)
•Teach controlled bouncing techniques to prevent wild throws
•Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
•Provide constant supervision and intervention when needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sightlines to all children
•Monitor spacing during all movement activities
•Watch for tired or frustrated children needing support
•Intervene immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and ensure other children remain safely occupied