Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can I make my ball go exactly where I want it to?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop rolling technique for accurate target hitting
  • To recognise and describe body changes during physical activity
  • To apply rolling skills in game situations with moving targets

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved rolling accuracy using correct technique
  • Students will identify how their body feels before, during and after exercise
  • Students will successfully hit static and moving targets using strategic aiming

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
1 per student (30)

Distributed around perimeter of teaching area

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for students needing lighter equipment

Cones
30-40 various colours

Scattered throughout teaching area for targets and gates

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, hoops

Bibs
6 different colours

For identifying gate keepers in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured balls

Key Vocabulary

Roll

To send a ball along the ground with a smooth action

Target

Something to aim at

Accuracy

Being able to hit what you're aiming at

Technique

The correct way to do a skill

Opposite foot

The foot that's different from your rolling hand

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and control
  • Understanding of personal space
  • Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

  • Rolling with correct technique
  • Aiming at static targets
  • Predicting movement for moving targets
  • Body awareness during exercise

Next Steps

  • Rolling for distance control
  • Underarm throwing techniques
  • Strategic game play

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent use of opposite foot forward
2
Ball release at correct point
3
Ability to hit targets 3 out of 5 attempts

Key Teaching Points

  • Opposite foot to rolling hand must step forward for balance and accuracy
  • Get low with bent knees to control the ball release point
  • Point hand at target during and after ball release
  • Use fingertips for precise ball control during handling activities
  • For moving targets, aim slightly ahead of where target is going
  • Gentle, controlled rolling is more accurate than hard, fast rolling
  • Two hands are needed to safely stop and collect balls

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking the same foot as rolling hand should go forward - correct with 'opposite foot forward' practice
  • Believing harder rolling is more accurate - demonstrate gentle control versus power
  • Assuming moving targets are impossible to hit - show prediction and leading techniques
  • Thinking technique doesn't matter if you're strong - emphasise accuracy over power
  • Believing some students 'can't do it' - provide appropriate modifications and celebrate all attempts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, simplified instructions, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
  • Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
  • Adapted seating positions, larger or lighter balls, modified distances, alternative target options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful hits, measuring distances for gates, direction and position vocabulary

Science

Forces and motion in ball rolling, understanding body changes during exercise, cause and effect

Geography

Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement around area

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, celebrating others' success, resilience when activities are challenging

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

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

Observation Focus

Watch for correct rolling technique, target accuracy, cooperation and inclusion

Intervention Points

Step in if technique needs correction, safety concerns arise, or exclusion occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, celebrate good technique examples

Verbal Cues
  • 'Opposite foot forward!'
  • 'Point at your target!'
  • 'Gentle rolling, keep control!'
  • 'Look for space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor hall minimum 15m x 20m or outdoor playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, clear boundaries marked

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check playground balls are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
  • Verify adequate equipment for all students

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Slips and trips from rolling balls
  • Students colliding during movement activities
  • Balls rolling into other activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear rules about ball staying on ground level
  • Adequate spacing between students and activities
  • Defined boundaries and collection procedures
  • Emphasis on controlled, gentle rolling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all groups during activities
  • Monitor spacing and ball control
  • Ensure inclusive participation
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, calm other students