Lesson 1 - Bounce and Catch Skills
Ball Control Foundations
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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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
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls
Mark boundaries, throwing lines, and house positions
Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines
Place 5 metres from throwing lines for 'Fill your House'
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, bucket targets
Set up small courts for Throw Ball game
Alternative: Benches, cones with ribbon
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball from above shoulder height with arm extended
The ball hits the ground once before being caught
Standing on balls of feet with hands ready to receive the ball
When your team has possession and tries to score
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
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