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 control and aim our balls accurately when rolling or sliding them to targets?

Learning Objectives

  • Experiment with different ways to send a ball or beanbag accurately
  • Develop rolling and sliding techniques with improved accuracy
  • Apply step forward technique with correct foot when rolling

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate at least 3 different ways to roll or slide objects
  • Students will accurately roll a ball to a partner from 2 metres away
  • Students will show understanding of accuracy and distance relationship

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
1 per pair (15)

Place different types in each corner for selection

Alternative: Beanbags, soft play balls, tennis balls

Cones
1 of each colour

Teacher holds these for traffic light activity

Alternative: Coloured cards, coloured bibs on poles

Targets
1 per pair (15)

Set up at end of lanes for Activity 2

Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, small cones

Benches
4

Use as lane bumpers for extension

Alternative: Pool noodles, rope boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Rolling

Moving the ball along the ground in a smooth, controlled way

Sliding

Pushing the ball smoothly along the ground with an underarm action

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you aim

Stepping forward

Moving opposite foot forward as you release the ball

Target

Something we aim for

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and control from Lesson 1
  • Understanding of simple movement patterns
  • Ability to follow simple instructions and take turns

Current Skills

  • Rolling and sliding with accuracy
  • Stepping forward with correct foot
  • Experimenting with different objects and techniques

Next Steps

  • Applying rolling skills in games
  • Defending and intercepting rolling balls
  • Combining rolling with movement and positioning

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy over 2-metre distance
2
Automatic use of stepping technique
3
Ability to adapt technique for different objects

Key Teaching Points

  • Step forward with opposite foot when rolling for power and accuracy
  • Keep ball low to ground - rolling not throwing movements
  • Accuracy decreases with distance - adjust force accordingly
  • Different equipment requires different techniques and force
  • Safety first - gentle movements and awareness of others
  • Encourage experimentation and celebrate all attempts
  • Use targets and games to make skill practice engaging

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking harder rolling is always better - teach control and appropriate force
  • Believing all balls roll the same way - explore different shapes and weights
  • Assuming accuracy comes naturally - emphasise practice and technique
  • Thinking rolling is just pushing - teach stepping and follow-through
  • Expecting immediate success - normalise learning process and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, simple instructions
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step demonstrations
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide verbal descriptions of layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards with pictures
physical disability
  • Seated rolling variations, modified distances, lightweight equipment, ramps for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores in bowling, measuring distances between partners, recognising patterns in accuracy

Science

Forces and motion - why harder rolling goes further, friction between ball and floor

Geography

Directional language - forwards, backwards, left, right when aiming

PSHE

Taking turns, encouraging others, dealing with frustration when missing targets

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central during warm-up for visibility, circulating during skill work, strategic placement during bowling for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stepping technique, accuracy improvement, safe equipment handling, positive partner interaction

Intervention Points

Step in if rolling becomes throwing, if students frustrated with accuracy, if unsafe equipment retrieval observed

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, compare good and less effective techniques, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues
  • 'Step forward with opposite foot'
  • 'Gentle rolling, keep ball on ground'
  • 'Aim for the middle of target'
  • 'Remember what worked last time'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from debris, adequate cushioning for floor sitting

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
  • Ensure targets are stable and not breakable
  • Inspect beanbags for tears or loose filling

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between moving students
  • Equipment causing trips or slips
  • Overenthusiastic throwing instead of rolling
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries and designated movement areas
  • Emphasise gentle rolling, not throwing
  • Adequate spacing between pairs and activities
  • Regular equipment checks and safe storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all students during warm-up
  • Circulate during partner work to monitor technique
  • Station at bowling lanes to ensure safe retrieval
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any incidents, apply first aid if needed, contact office if required