Lesson 2 - Striking and Rallying with Hands
Hand-Eye Coordination Play
•Reception
•Net and Wall
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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
Distributed around hall perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Large tennis balls, playground balls
Organised by colour for easy distribution
Alternative: Bean bags, spots
Placed 5 metres from striking positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Goals 8 metres wide for penalty practice
Alternative: Chalk marks, rope between posts
Nets approximately 1 metre high
Alternative: Benches turned on side, rope between posts
Key Vocabulary
To hit the ball with your hand after it bounces
Hitting the ball back and forth between players or teams
Standing balanced on balls of feet, arms bent, watching the ball
Turning your body sideways to the target when striking
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
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