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Lesson 2 - Partner Control Techniques

Foundation Object Control and Body Awareness

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Reception

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Manipulation & Coordination

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to control objects and help our partners succeed?

Learning Objectives

To develop increasing control over objects through twisting and turning movements
To demonstrate reaching and bending skills with partner cooperation
To maintain concentration when working collaboratively with others

Key Outcomes

Students will show improved control when manipulating objects
Students will demonstrate twisting and turning movements with coordination
Students will work effectively with partners through communication and support

Equipment & Resources Required

Parachutes

1 large (6-8m diameter)

Laid flat in centre of activity area with clear space around

Alternative: Large bed sheet or tarpaulin

Flag Footballs

3.5 balls

Placed on parachute surface for bouncing activities

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags

Ropes

3.5 ropes

Placed on parachute for snake activity

Alternative: Long ribbon streamers, elastic bands

Balls

1 per student (30 total)

Mixed colours distributed around activity space

Alternative: Soft balls, juggling scarves

Hoops

4-6 hoops matching bean bag colours

Placed in centre of space for target practice

Alternative: Coloured mats, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Twist

To turn your body or torso while keeping feet still

Control

Being able to manage and direct an object exactly where you want it to go

Concentration

Focusing your mind completely on what you're doing

Partner

Someone you work together with to complete an activity

Communicate

Talking or using signals to help your partner understand what to do

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic object handling with one hand
Simple passing between hands
Following basic instructions

Current Skills

Two-handed object control
Body twisting and turning movements
Partner cooperation and communication

Next Steps

Multi-directional object manipulation
Advanced partner passing sequences
Team coordination activities

Milestone Indicators

Smooth twisting motion without dropping objects

Successful partner communication during activities

Maintained concentration throughout extended sequences

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise two-handed object control throughout all activities
Feet must stay still during twisting movements - all movement from torso
Partner communication is essential for success in cooperative activities
Safety first - controlled movements more important than speed
Build confidence through progressive skill development
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just achievement
Use positive reinforcement to maintain engagement and motivation

Common Misconceptions

Faster always means better - teach that control and accuracy are more important than speed
Individual success matters most - emphasise that partner success leads to shared achievement
Moving feet helps with twisting - demonstrate that stable base improves control and balance
Throwing hard improves accuracy - show that gentle, controlled movements are more effective
Some students 'can't do it' - reinforce that everyone can improve with practice and support

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for sustained attention

dyspraxia

Larger, easier-to-handle bean bags, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns, adult support for complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual activity schedule, consistent routines, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright contrasting coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapted bean bag sizes, seated versions of activities, modified twisting ranges appropriate to individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in relay games, measuring distances for throwing accuracy, understanding directions and turns

Science

Forces needed for object control, balance and centre of gravity during twisting, cause and effect in parachute activities

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, patience with others, celebrating differences in ability, building confidence through challenge

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between pairs to provide individual feedback, position centrally for demonstrations and group instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct two-handed technique, safe twisting without moving feet, partner communication and cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when students compromise safety for speed, when pairs struggle with cooperation, when technique deteriorates under pressure

Demonstration Notes

Use confident student pairs for demonstrations, exaggerate movements for visibility, break down complex movements into steps, always model safety first

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands always!'
•'Feet stay still, twist your middle!'
•'Watch your partner, help them succeed!'
•'Control before speed!'
•'Concentrate and communicate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles, suitable for parachute activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with good grip, clear of debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check parachute for tears or damaged handles
•Ensure bean bags are soft and in good condition
•Verify jump ropes have no knots or frayed areas
•Confirm hoops are stable and crack-free

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during parachute activities
•Falls during twisting movements
•Bean bag strikes during throwing activities
•Unsafe bending during reaching activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around all activities
•Adequate spacing between pairs and teams
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during overhead passing
•Safe bending technique demonstrated and enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during parachute activities
•Move between pairs during partner work for close monitoring
•Stand centrally during team games for overall oversight

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed