Lesson 4 - Striking and Receiving
Hand-Eye Coordination Play
•Reception
•Net and Wall
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How can I use my palm to strike a ball accurately and move into the right position to receive it back?
Learning Objectives
- Strike a ball using an open palm with increasing control
- Move into position to receive a ball after striking
- Demonstrate the T position for effective striking
Key Outcomes
- Students will strike a ball with their palm showing control and accuracy
- Students will understand and demonstrate the T position
- Students will show increasing control when pushing and patting objects
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags
Available for warm-up activity identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves
For marking targets on walls or ground
Alternative: Cones, hoops for targets
Positioned as striking targets around space
Alternative: Chalk circles, cone targets
For group activity centres during warm-up
Alternative: Small cones, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Hit the ball with your open palm
Standing sideways with one arm back and one pointing forward
Weight on balls of feet, watching ball, arms bent and ready
Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner
When the ball hits the ground once before catching
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can bounce and catch a ball with two hands
- Beginning to understand taking turns
- Can follow simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Striking with an open palm
- Moving into receiving position
- Understanding the T position for striking
Next Steps
- Striking with increasing accuracy and power
- Continuous rallying with a partner
- Advanced net and wall game concepts
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- T position is fundamental - sideways body, one arm back, one forward
- Open palm striking creates better control than closed fist
- One bounce rule helps develop timing and coordination
- Partner communication is essential for successful rallies
- Celebrate effort and improvement, not just achievement
- Progressive challenge levels keep all students engaged
- Link striking technique to real game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Children often stand square-on instead of sideways for T position - demonstrate sideways clearly
- Many use closed fist instead of open palm - emphasise flat hand contact
- Students rush the bounce-strike sequence - teach patience and timing
- Students think harder strikes are always better - focus on control and accuracy
- Some believe they must catch without a bounce - reinforce one-bounce rule for success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes, clear boundaries, movement opportunities within structure
dyspraxia
- Break T position into smaller steps, extra practice time, larger balls for easier success
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of T position, partner support for positioning
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for T position, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Modified T position from seated position, larger/lighter balls, adapted striking distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful strikes and catches, measuring distances to targets, recognising shapes (T position)
Science
Forces and motion in ball striking, cause and effect in ball bounces, body mechanics and movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork with partners, taking turns fairly, perseverance when skills are challenging
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
T position consistency, palm striking technique, partnership cooperation, individual confidence levels
Intervention Points
Step in if striking technique unsafe, support struggling partnerships, adjust challenge levels as needed
Demonstration Notes
Show T position clearly from different angles, demonstrate striking technique slowly, model positive partnership interactions
Verbal Cues
- •'T position first, then strike!'
- •'Watch the ball, open palm!'
- •'One bounce, then catch!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor hard surface area, minimum 15m x 20m
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls appropriate for age group - check for damage
- •Ensure bibs are tucked safely and securely
- •Hoops and markers positioned away from main activity areas
- •Wall areas clear of protruding objects if using for striking practice
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during moving partner games
- •Being struck by balls during striking practice
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
- •Overcrowding in popular activity areas
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing guidelines between pairs during striking
- •Soft, appropriate balls for age group
- •Controlled introduction of moving games with clear boundaries
- •Adult supervision positioned for maximum visibility
- •Progressive skill building from individual to partner work
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe T position technique development
- •Monitor partner interactions for safety and fairness
- •Watch for appropriate challenge levels and frustration
- •Ensure equipment is being used safely and appropriately
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required