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Lesson 1 - Bounce and Catch Skills

Ball Control Foundations

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use bouncing skills to help our team succeed?

Learning Objectives

Develop overarm throwing technique for partner to catch after one bounce
Improve catching consistency after one bounce
Understand basic attacking and defending principles in games

Key Outcomes

Students will throw overarm accurately for partner to catch after one bounce
Students will catch balls consistently after one bounce using correct technique
Students will demonstrate understanding of attacking and defending concepts

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Cones

Mark boundaries, throwing lines, and house positions

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines

Hoops

Place 5 metres from throwing lines for 'Fill your House'

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, bucket targets

Nets

2-3

Set up small courts for Throw Ball game

Alternative: Benches, cones with ribbon

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing the ball from above shoulder height with arm extended

One bounce

The ball hits the ground once before being caught

Ready position

Standing on balls of feet with hands ready to receive the ball

Attacking

When your team has possession and tries to score

Defending

When the other team has possession and you try to stop them scoring

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing
Two-handed catching of large balls
Simple running and moving skills

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique
Catching after one bounce
Basic attacking and defending concepts

Next Steps

Throwing at moving targets
Catching on the move
More complex game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm throwing action

Successful catches in 7 out of 10 attempts

Shows awareness of space in games

Key Teaching Points

Sideways position when throwing overarm with step forward on opposite foot
Track the ball with eyes throughout flight and bounce
Ready position with hands prepared and weight on balls of feet
Bounce ball ahead of body when moving to run onto it
One bounce only rule in all catching activities
Tactical thinking about where to place throws in games
Cooperation and encouragement between partners and in teams

Common Misconceptions

Children think throwing harder is always better - emphasise accuracy and technique
Students believe they should catch ball before it bounces - reinforce one bounce rule
Students face forward when throwing - teach sideways position for power and accuracy
Children focus only on their own performance - encourage partner support and team success
Students think games are just about winning - emphasise skill development and fair play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback, movement breaks integrated

dyspraxia

Larger equipment initially, slower progression, extra practice time, focus on one skill element at a time

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance, tactile boundaries with rope

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, positioning near teacher

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching options, use balloon instead of ball, adapted distances, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting catches in 4,3,2,1 challenge, measuring distances between partners, understanding of numbers in sequence

Science

Understanding of forces in ball bouncing, gravity affecting ball flight, push and pull forces in throwing

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness in games, understanding of positions

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success, following rules fairly

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activity area to observe all students, position at corner for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique development, safe play, and inclusion of all students

Intervention Points

Step in when techniques unsafe, rules not being followed, or students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students with good technique as examples.

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways position!'
•'Track the ball!'
•'Soft hands ready!'
•'One bounce only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure nets/ropes are securely fastened
•Cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Use only soft balls appropriate for Year 1
•Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
•Emphasise underarm throwing only in Boulders warm-up
•Adequate spacing between students and teams
•Progressive skill building from individual to partner to group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor technique to prevent unsafe throwing
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure inclusion of all students

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed