Lesson 4 - Partner Throwing and Catching
Control Through Manipulation
•Reception
•Ball Skills
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How can we work together to become brilliant ball partners?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate throwing to a partner using two hands
- To improve catching skills with correct hand positioning
- To demonstrate cooperative teamwork and communication skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw balls accurately to their partner using two-handed chest pass
- Students will catch balls consistently after one bounce using two hands
- Students will communicate effectively with their partner and wait for readiness signals
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area, 2-3 metres apart for safety
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark target areas
One ball per pair, stored in equipment basket at edge of area
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, large sponge balls, bean bags for struggling students
For identifying taggers in warm-up activity
Alternative: Bright scarves, special badges, coloured bands
To mark activity area boundaries and safety zones
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, natural boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Throwing a ball so it bounces once before reaching your partner
Using both hands together to secure the ball safely
Standing alert with hands out, watching the ball and ready to move
Pushing the ball from your chest using both hands towards a target
Talking and signaling with your partner to work together effectively
Working together as a team to achieve a shared goal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can hold and release a ball with two hands
- Can bounce a ball on the spot several times
- Understands the concept of taking turns
- Can follow simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Throwing balls accurately to a partner using chest pass technique
- Catching balls after one bounce with correct hand positioning
- Communicating effectively with a partner before throwing
- Moving feet to position body for successful catches
Next Steps
- Throwing and catching while both partners are moving
- Using different types of throws (underarm, overarm)
- Playing simple team games requiring accurate passing
- Developing defensive positioning and intercepting skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-handed catching with thumbs together forming 'W' shape
- Communication with partner through 'ready' signals and eye contact
- Gentle chest pass technique aiming for target centre
- Moving feet to position body correctly for catching
- Cooperation and patience when working with partners
- Safety awareness during movement between hoops
- Accurate counting and celebrating improvements together
Common Misconceptions
- That one-handed catching is acceptable - always emphasise two hands
- That throwing harder makes catching easier - focus on accuracy and control
- That speed is more important than technique - prioritise quality movement
- That competition should override cooperation - maintain partnership focus
- That catching is passive - emphasise active movement to ball position
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, immediate feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Larger balls and targets, reduced distances, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of hoop positions, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated catching variations, modified throwing distances, larger targets, alternative ball types
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful catches, measuring distances between hoops, timing challenges for one minute
Science
Forces in throwing and bouncing, gravity affecting ball movement, coordination of muscles for catching
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, patience and encouragement, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all pairs are visible, circulate during partner work to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct two-handed catching, partner communication, safe movement between hoops
Intervention Points
Step in if partnerships struggling with cooperation, safety issues arise, or technique needs major correction
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Show clear two-handed catching with exaggerated thumb position, show communication signals between partners
Verbal Cues
- •'Two hands together!'
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Check your partner is ready!'
- •'Move your feet to the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground area minimum 20m x 15m clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface with good grip, free from loose objects or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls correctly inflated and free from damage
- •Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Adequate number of balls to prevent sharing disputes
- •Emergency equipment easily accessible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face if not watching
- •Collisions between pairs during movement
- •Trips over hoops placed on ground
- •Overexertion during timed challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise watching ball at all times
- •Maintain adequate spacing between pairs
- •Clear pathways marked for movement activities
- •Regular rest breaks during intensive sections
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all pairs simultaneously
- •Circulate during partner work to support and correct
- •Monitor for fatigue and emotional responses
- •Be ready to assist children struggling with coordination
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed