Lesson 4 - Passing and Target Practice
Core Skills Through Play
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can we use different types of passes to work together effectively in games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accuracy in different types of passes
- To understand which type of pass is most effective in different situations
- To work safely and cooperatively with partners and small groups
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least two different types of passes with increasing control
- Students will show understanding of when to use bounce passes versus direct passes
- Students will work safely within defined spaces while maintaining focus
Equipment & Resources Required
Size 3 footballs or playground balls, stored in equipment basket
Alternative: Bean bags for less confident throwers
Orange safety cones, various sizes for different target challenges
Alternative: Floor markers, bean bags as targets
Medium-sized PE hoops for 'Fill your House' game
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Different colours for easy identification during games
Alternative: Small foam balls, tennis balls
Non-slip floor spots for position marking
Alternative: Chalk marks, tape X's
Key Vocabulary
A pass where the ball bounces once on the ground before reaching your partner
A direct pass from your chest to your partner's chest without bouncing
A pass thrown from shoulder height, often used for longer distances
Something we aim at when passing or throwing
How close your pass gets to where you wanted it to go
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with two hands
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple partner cooperation
Current Skills
- Different types of passes (bounce, chest, shoulder)
- Accuracy in passing to targets
- Quick decision-making in passing games
Next Steps
- Passing while moving
- Using passes in competitive games
- Advanced target games with multiple players
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always use two hands when catching and throwing for better control
- Eye contact and communication are essential for successful passing
- Bounce passes are often easier for beginners to track and catch
- Step into your pass to improve accuracy and power
- Safety first - always be aware of others around you
- Teamwork and encouragement help everyone learn better
- Choose the right type of pass for the distance and situation
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking faster passes are always better - slower, controlled passes are often more effective
- Believing only strong children can be good at passing - accuracy and technique matter more than power
- Assuming competitive games are only about winning - focus on skill development and teamwork
- Thinking bounce passes are 'easier' or 'worse' - they're a valuable skill with specific uses
- Believing you need lots of space to practice passing - many skills can be developed in small areas
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks, offer specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use verbal cues for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines and structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, maintain consistent rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt to seated position if needed, use larger/softer balls, reduce throwing distances, focus on accuracy over power
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following verbal instructions, using descriptive language for movement, discussing techniques and strategies
Maths
Counting passes accurately, measuring distances for target games, understanding angles and trajectories
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, understanding of bouncing and gravity, cause and effect relationships
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, taking turns fairly, managing emotions during competitive activities, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during practice, position at corner for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for proper throwing technique, accuracy improvement, and positive cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, help groups struggling with game rules, support individual skill development
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations for passing techniques, involve children in showing good examples, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Two hands on the ball!'
- •'Aim for the bounce spot!'
- •'Watch where your partner is!'
- •'Great teamwork!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 15m x 20m clear space
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, marked boundaries clearly visible
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and age-appropriate size
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Hoops are in good condition without rough edges
- •Bean bags properly filled and seams intact
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between children during movement activities
- •Balls hitting children in face during passing
- •Trips and falls during active games
- •Arguments or conflicts during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Teach proper throwing technique to avoid head-height throws
- •Emphasise controlled movement and spatial awareness
- •Establish clear rules and fair play expectations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activity areas
- •Move between groups during practice time
- •Monitor throwing force and accuracy
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed