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 we use accurate rolling and stopping skills to outplay our opponents in games?

Learning Objectives

  • To consolidate accurate rolling skills towards targets
  • To develop stopping skills using hands and body positioning
  • To apply rolling and stopping skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when rolling balls towards targets
  • Students will show effective stopping techniques using the long barrier method
  • Students will apply tactical thinking in games by choosing where to aim

Equipment & Resources Required

Small Balls
1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft play balls

Cones
15-20 cones

Set up as 'battleships' at opposite end of area

Alternative: Skittles, bottles, or other knockable targets

Markers
6 markers

Mark starting positions for each group

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Hoops
4 hoops

Two hoops on each side for ball collection

Alternative: Buckets or designated zones

Key Vocabulary

Rolling

Moving the ball along the ground using hands

Aiming

Looking at and pointing towards the target before rolling

Long Barrier

Using legs and body to create a wall to stop the ball

Target

The object or area we are trying to hit

Accuracy

Getting the ball to go exactly where we want it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling skills
  • Simple rolling movements
  • Understanding of target concepts

Current Skills

  • Accurate rolling towards targets
  • Stopping balls using hands and body
  • Applying skills in game situations

Next Steps

  • Rolling with both hands for power
  • Advanced stopping techniques
  • Tactical game play in team situations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy when rolling
2
Quick body movement to intercept balls
3
Understanding of when to aim for different targets

Key Teaching Points

  • Always look at the target before rolling the ball
  • Use smooth underarm rolling action, not throwing
  • Long barrier technique requires side-on body position with legs together
  • Timing is crucial when fielders are present - wait for the right moment
  • Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as winning
  • Practice and patience lead to improvement in accuracy
  • Body positioning behind the ball helps with stopping effectiveness

Common Misconceptions

  • Students think throwing is the same as rolling - emphasise ground contact throughout
  • Children believe catching is more important than stopping - stress barrier safety
  • Assumption that power is more important than accuracy - demonstrate control benefits
  • Students think they must catch perfectly - show that stopping is the primary goal
  • Misconception that speed of play is most important - emphasise quality technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback on performance, movement breaks between explanations
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified instructions broken into steps, extra practice time for techniques
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual boundaries for zones, consistent routine and structure, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of target positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or picture instructions available
physical disability
  • Seated rolling version available, use lighter balls, reduce distances, provide physical support as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting targets hit and scores, measuring distances between markers and targets, understanding angles of rolling

Science

Forces in rolling balls, friction between ball and surface, momentum and stopping

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding zones and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner position for visibility of all groups, move actively between groups during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct rolling technique, proper long barrier positioning, fair play and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in if students show poor technique, unsafe behaviour, or negative attitudes towards teammates

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for techniques, show both correct and incorrect examples, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues
  • 'Look, point, roll!'
  • 'Side on, legs together!'
  • 'Wait for the right moment!'
  • 'Great sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles with safe boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for rolling balls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check balls are appropriate size for Year 1 hands
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
  • Verify hoops are stable and won't slip

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during active games
  • Students slipping when collecting balls quickly
  • Frustration leading to unsafe throwing of equipment
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries and zones established and marked
  • Emphasis on rolling not throwing throughout lesson
  • Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
  • Teacher positioning for maximum visibility and intervention

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position at corner of area for visibility of all groups
  • Move between groups during active games
  • Monitor student emotions and intervene if frustration builds
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, notify school office if required