Lesson 6 - Catching with Control
Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Exploration
•Reception
•Ball Skills
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How can we use our hands to catch objects safely and successfully?
Learning Objectives
- To explore different ways of catching beanbags and small balls
- To develop hand-eye coordination through catching activities
- To understand when and why we need to catch in different sports and activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to catch a beanbag with increasing control using both hands
- Students will understand the importance of watching the object and preparing their hands
- Students will work cooperatively with a partner to achieve catching challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around the activity area for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls in socks
Ready in equipment basket for progression activities
Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls, tennis balls
Mark boundaries and partner positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Using your hands to stop and hold an object that is thrown to you
Having your hands out in front, ready to catch
Being able to do something smoothly and accurately
Looking carefully at something with your eyes
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing with beanbags
- Understanding of taking turns
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Catching with two hands
- Watching the object being caught
- Preparing hands for catching
Next Steps
- Catching balls of different sizes
- Catching while moving
- Throwing and catching in games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise watching the object throughout the catching motion
- Develop the 'ready position' with hands prepared before the throw
- Progress gradually from beanbags to balls to build confidence
- Encourage gentle, accurate throwing to support successful catching
- Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just success
- Use counting and goal-setting to maintain engagement and track progress
- Ensure adequate spacing between students for safety and success
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you only need one hand to catch - emphasise two-handed catching for young learners
- Believing that catching is just about hands - teach that eyes are equally important
- Assuming harder throws are better - explain that gentle throws help partners succeed
- Thinking drops mean failure - frame them as learning opportunities
- Believing catching is the same regardless of object - explore differences between balls and beanbags
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger beanbags initially, reduce complexity of movements, allow extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured beanbags and balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or picture instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt to seated catching where appropriate, use larger lightweight objects, modify distances for accessibility
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, gravity affecting ball movement, hand-eye coordination development
Communication and Language
Following instructions, using descriptive language about movement, asking and answering questions about sports
Mathematics
Counting successful catches, comparing quantities (more/less catches), understanding number sequences 1-10
PSHE
Cooperation and turn-taking with partners, resilience when activities are challenging, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of the activity area to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct hand positioning, eye tracking of objects, safe throwing techniques, positive partner interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too forceful, if students are not cooperating effectively, or if safety is compromised
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate at child's eye level, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the beanbag!'
- •'Gentle throws help your partner!'
- •'Get your hands ready!'
- •'Watch it all the way to your hands!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall or playground space, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface suitable for movement activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are intact with no loose filling
- •Ensure soft balls are appropriate size and texture for young children
- •Confirm all equipment is clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Objects hitting students if thrown inappropriately
- •Slips if students move too quickly on smooth surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with cones
- •Emphasis on gentle throwing only
- •Adequate spacing between students and pairs
- •Progressive skill building from individual to partner work
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor throwing techniques to ensure safety
- •Watch for appropriate partner interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, apply appropriate first aid, involve school first aider if needed