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Big Question

How can we use both hands equally well to roll a ball accurately at a target?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop underarm rolling technique with both dominant and non-dominant hands
  • To improve accuracy when aiming at targets of different sizes
  • To understand the importance of being ambidextrous in sport

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved rolling technique using both hands
  • Students will show greater accuracy when rolling at targets
  • Students will work cooperatively in small groups and follow game rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per child (30)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Cones
40-50

Different colours for different activities

Alternative: Spots, markers, plastic bottles

Hoops
10

For target zones in final activity

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Ambidextrous

Being able to use both hands equally well

Rolling

Moving a ball along the ground using an underarm action

Target

Something you aim at when rolling or throwing

Accuracy

How close you get to where you were aiming

Force

How hard or gentle you roll the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic understanding of rolling a ball
  • Ability to work in pairs
  • Following simple instructions

Current Skills

  • Developing ambidextrous rolling skills
  • Improving accuracy at different targets
  • Understanding scoring systems in games

Next Steps

  • Introduction to bowling techniques
  • Target games with moving objectives
  • Simple striking and fielding games

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent rolling technique with both hands
2
Ability to adjust force for different distances
3
Demonstrates good sportsmanship in competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

  • Look at your target before rolling
  • Get down low for better control and accuracy
  • Step forward with opposite foot to rolling arm
  • Use both hands equally to develop ambidextrous skills
  • Adjust rolling force based on target distance
  • Encourage and support teammates during activities
  • Follow game rules and score honestly

Common Misconceptions

  • Only needing to use dominant hand for accuracy - emphasise ambidextrous development
  • Rolling harder always means more accurate - teach force control
  • Looking at ball instead of target - reinforce target focus
  • Same foot forward as rolling arm - correct footwork for stability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Frequent position changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
  • Slower demonstrations, breakdown of complex movements, additional practice time
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent routines
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of setup, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, buddy system for support
physical disability
  • Adapted sitting or supported rolling positions, shorter distances, larger targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful attempts, adding scores, understanding number sequences 1-5

Science

Forces and motion - how different rolling force affects ball travel distance

Geography

Directional language - rolling towards, through, beyond targets

PSHE

Cooperation, turn-taking, celebrating others' achievements, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Rolling technique development, cooperation in groups, safe participation

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, support struggling children, challenge advanced students

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate technique points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect methods, use child demonstrators when appropriate

Verbal Cues
  • 'Look at your target!'
  • 'Get down low!'
  • 'Step forward with opposite foot!'
  • 'Use your other hand too!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area, minimum 15m x 20m for multiple group activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all balls are appropriate softness for age group
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify equipment is clean and hygienic

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between groups during warm-up activity
  • Trips over cones or equipment
  • Balls hitting children during rolling activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established between group areas
  • Adequate spacing maintained throughout
  • Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • Clear stop signals established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all groups during activities
  • Monitor bridge formation for safety
  • Watch for safe equipment collection
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, inform school office if required