Lesson 6 - Catching and Signalling
Core Skills Through Play
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can we become catching champions by making ourselves good targets and using gentle hands?
Learning Objectives
- To catch a ball consistently using correct technique
- To signal effectively to indicate readiness to receive a ball
- To understand how to cushion impact when catching
Key Outcomes
- Students will catch balls consistently from 2+ metres
- Students will demonstrate clear signalling for receiving passes
- Students will show sporting values through encouragement and fair play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area
Alternative: Tennis balls, small soft balls
Bright colours for easy identification
Alternative: Markers, spots, hoops
Lightweight and easy to grip
Alternative: Bean bags, small cones
Key Vocabulary
A clear signal showing your partner where to throw the ball
Using soft, relaxed hands to absorb the ball's impact gently
A clear indication that you are ready to receive the ball
How quickly you respond to catch a moving ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can catch a large ball with both hands
- Understands basic throwing technique
- Can follow simple instructions in PE
Current Skills
- Catching with consistent technique
- Non-verbal communication through signalling
- Understanding of cushioning impact
Next Steps
- Catching while moving
- Throwing accurately over longer distances
- Game application of catching skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Eyes must track the ball throughout its entire flight path
- Soft, relaxed hands cushion the ball's impact for secure catching
- Clear target-making helps partners throw accurately
- Signalling readiness prevents mistimed throws
- Stepping back/forward system provides natural progression
- Sporting values include encouragement and patience with partners
- Movement and communication are essential in game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Students think catching is only about hand strength rather than technique
- Belief that looking away at the last second protects from ball impact
- Assumption that harder throws are better throws
- Thinking that catching is purely individual rather than partnership skill
- Misconception that successful catchers don't need to practice fundamentals
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, reduced complexity in games, extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection zone available
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for ready position, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated catching variations, larger/softer balls, adapted throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes and catches, measuring distances in metres, understanding shapes in cone formations
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times and nervous system responses
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, understanding distance and positioning
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, building confidence, supporting others and good sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all pairs/groups, position for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, partner communication, and safe movement
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic technique or showing unsafe behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating, involve student volunteers to show correct technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands like catching an egg!'
- •'Eyes on the ball all the way!'
- •'Make a clear target for your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor playground
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, adequate grip for quick movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and clean
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Bean bags intact with no loose filling
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement games
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips during quick directional changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe spacing established
- •Controlled throwing speeds appropriate for age
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Move around space to monitor technique and safety
- •Intervene quickly if unsafe behaviour observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical assistance