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Lesson 6 - Catching with Control

Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Exploration

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Reception

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Ball Skills

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30 min

Big Question

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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around the activity area for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls in socks

Small Foam Balls

1 per pair (15)

Ready in equipment basket for progression activities

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls, tennis balls

Cones

8-10

Mark boundaries and partner positions

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Catching

Using your hands to stop and hold an object that is thrown to you

Ready position

Having your hands out in front, ready to catch

Control

Being able to do something smoothly and accurately

Focus

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

Consistent two-handed catching

Eyes tracking the object

Successful partner catching

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