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Lesson 2 - Striking and Rallying with Hands

Hand-Eye Coordination Play

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Reception

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Net and Wall

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep a rally going using our hands?

Learning Objectives

To strike a ball with one hand whilst it is airborne
To play passive and active rallies by striking over a net with hands
To communicate effectively with partners during gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully strike an airborne ball with one hand after a bounce
Students will maintain short rallies with a partner using hand strikes
Students will demonstrate effective communication during doubles play

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around hall perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Large tennis balls, playground balls

Coloured Cones

90 (3 sets of 3 different colours per pair)

Organised by colour for easy distribution

Alternative: Bean bags, spots

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Placed 5 metres from striking positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Markers

30 cones for 15 goals

Goals 8 metres wide for penalty practice

Alternative: Chalk marks, rope between posts

Sun Markers

30 cones to create 5 nets

Nets approximately 1 metre high

Alternative: Benches turned on side, rope between posts

Key Vocabulary

Strike

To hit the ball with your hand after it bounces

Rally

Hitting the ball back and forth between players or teams

Ready position

Standing balanced on balls of feet, arms bent, watching the ball

Sideways on

Turning your body sideways to the target when striking

Palm strike

Hitting with the flat part of your hand

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns
Can follow simple instructions

Current Skills

Striking a ball with one hand after bounce
Maintaining simple rallies over a net
Communicating with partners during games

Next Steps

Striking with different parts of the hand
Playing competitive net games with rules
Advanced positioning and movement patterns

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball when striking

Maintaining rallies of 3+ strikes

Clear verbal communication during doubles play

Key Teaching Points

Ready position: balanced on balls of feet, arms bent, eyes watching
Sideways-on position after dropping ball for optimal striking angle
Palm striking technique for control and accuracy
Communication through clear name calling during doubles play
Controlled striking power appropriate for partner or target
Quick movement to position combined with balanced ready stance
Encouraging partnership and positive team attitudes

Common Misconceptions

Harder strikes are always better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
Any hand contact counts as good striking - demonstrate proper palm technique
Shouting 'mine' instead of name - explain why name calling is clearer for partners
Ready position only needed when ball is coming to you - show importance of constant readiness
Rallies failing means someone is bad - frame as team challenge requiring cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of ready position, tactile guidance for technique

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated striking variations, larger balls, modified target distances, peer support

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, clear communication, following and giving instructions

Maths

Counting rally sequences, measuring distances for targets, geometric shapes in cone formations

Science

Forces in ball striking, trajectory paths, cause and effect in ball bounce patterns

PSHE

Cooperation skills, fair play, encouraging others, managing disappointment and success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities for best visibility, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct striking technique, partner cooperation, and spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with ready position, unsafe movement, or communication

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate key technique points, show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Drop, bounce, turn, strike!'
•'Ready position - balanced and watching!'
•'Call your name clearly!'
•'Controlled strikes to your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m hall space, clear of obstacles and walls

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check foam balls are in good condition with no splits
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are stable and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during partner crossing movements
•Ball strikes to face or head during games
•Slips during quick directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
•Progressive skill building from individual to partner to team
•Emphasis on controlled striking power
•Safe crossing protocols during position changes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during partner activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during penalty and team games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear pathways to first aid, designated adults for injury assessment