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Big Question

How can we use our hands to make the ball go exactly where we want it to?

Learning Objectives

  • Explore different ways of rolling a ball using hands
  • Develop understanding of the concept of 'control' in ball skills
  • Learn to roll a ball accurately towards targets

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate various rolling techniques with increasing control
  • Students will explain what 'control' means in ball skills context
  • Students will successfully roll balls towards targets with improved accuracy

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per student (30)

Place balls in mesh bag at equipment station, various sizes available

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for students with grip difficulties

Cones
30 (1 per student)

Bright coloured cones, distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play markers, plastic bottles

Sun Markers
8-10 cones

Create clear activity boundary approximately 15m x 20m

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines for outdoor use

Key Vocabulary

Control

Keeping the ball close to us and making it go where we want it to go

Rolling

Making the ball move along the ground by pushing it with our hands

Target

Something we aim for when we roll our ball

Accurate

When our ball goes exactly where we want it to go

Space

An empty area where there are no other people or balls

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic understanding of pushing and pulling movements
  • Simple ball handling experiences
  • Following basic instructions and taking turns

Current Skills

  • Rolling balls with increasing control
  • Understanding spatial awareness when rolling
  • Developing hand-eye coordination for targeting

Next Steps

  • Rolling with greater accuracy over longer distances
  • Introduction to underarm throwing techniques
  • Using rolling skills in simple games and activities

Milestone Indicators

1
Can roll ball 3 metres with control
2
Hits target 3 out of 5 attempts
3
Demonstrates understanding of speed control

Key Teaching Points

  • Control means keeping the ball close and making it go where we want
  • Rolling requires smooth pushing motion with ball staying on ground
  • Accuracy is more important than power when targeting
  • Speed affects control - slower rolling often more accurate
  • Good spatial awareness keeps everyone safe
  • Fair play and cooperation make games fun for everyone
  • Practice and persistence lead to improvement

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking faster rolling is always better - teach appropriate speed for task
  • Confusing rolling with throwing - emphasise ground contact throughout
  • Believing they must hit target every time - emphasise learning process
  • Thinking bigger movements are more effective - teach controlled, precise movements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step verbal guidance
autism spectrum
  • Clear predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
  • Seated rolling option, larger lighter balls, closer targets, ramp assistance if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores, measuring distances, understanding fast/slow concepts, comparing numbers

Science

Forces and motion - pushing, rolling, speed and direction, cause and effect relationships

PSHE

Taking turns, playing fairly, managing emotions, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area for optimal visibility, join circle during discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for developing rolling technique, spatial awareness, cooperation, and understanding of key concepts

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with equipment, showing unsafe behaviour, or experiencing social difficulties

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key teaching points multiple times

Verbal Cues
  • 'Push the ball smoothly'
  • 'Aim before you roll'
  • 'Find empty space'
  • 'Gentle control'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, even ground, free from water or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Foam balls checked for damage, proper inflation
  • Cones stable with no sharp edges or cracks
  • Equipment stored safely during non-use

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Slips and falls on wet surfaces
  • Collisions between students chasing balls
  • Tripping over equipment or in boundaries
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and communicated
  • Adequate spacing between students during activities
  • Walking pace enforced during equipment collection
  • Controlled rolling speeds to maintain ball within area

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all students
  • Monitor high-activity zones during chasing activities
  • Ensure fair play and emotional safety during competitive elements
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact main office if serious