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Lesson 4 - Striking and Receiving

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 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

Softballs

1 per pair (15)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags

Coloured Bibs

Available for warm-up activity identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves

Cones

4-6 pieces

For marking targets on walls or ground

Alternative: Cones, hoops for targets

Hoops

6-8

Positioned as striking targets around space

Alternative: Chalk circles, cone targets

Sun Markers

For group activity centres during warm-up

Alternative: Small cones, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Strike

Hit the ball with your open palm

T position

Standing sideways with one arm back and one pointing forward

Ready position

Weight on balls of feet, watching ball, arms bent and ready

Rally

Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner

Bounce

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

Consistent palm strikes with good technique

Successful catch after ball bounces once

Clear demonstration of T position

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