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Lesson 4 - Partner Throwing and Catching

Control Through Manipulation

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Reception

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Ball Skills

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40 min

Big Question

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

Hoops

Distributed around activity area, 2-3 metres apart for safety

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark target areas

Balls

One ball per pair, stored in equipment basket at edge of area

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, large sponge balls, bean bags for struggling students

Coloured Bibs

For identifying taggers in warm-up activity

Alternative: Bright scarves, special badges, coloured bands

Cones

To mark activity area boundaries and safety zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

Throwing a ball so it bounces once before reaching your partner

Two-handed catch

Using both hands together to secure the ball safely

Ready position

Standing alert with hands out, watching the ball and ready to move

Chest pass

Pushing the ball from your chest using both hands towards a target

Communication

Talking and signaling with your partner to work together effectively

Cooperation

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

Consistent two-handed catching after one bounce

Accurate bounce passes that land in target area 7/10 times

Clear communication with partner before each throw

Smooth movement between different hoop positions

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