🎖️

Lesson 2 - Catching and Court Movement

Ball Control Foundations

•

Year 1

•

Invasion Games

•

56 min

Big Question

How can I catch the ball reliably and move my opponent around the court?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent catching skills with both hands
To understand how to move opponents around the court through strategic throwing
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and emotional regulation during competitive activities

Key Outcomes

Students will catch a ball consistently using correct hand positioning and body stance
Students will use throwing to make opponents move in different directions
Students will manage their emotions and demonstrate positive behaviour during games

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Stored in baskets around the activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for students with catching difficulties

Dish Cones

6-8

Placed as central markers for warm-up activity

Alternative: Chalk circles, hoop markers

Hoops

5.5 large hoops

Placed 5 metres from team starting positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Nets

3-4 court dividers

Set up to create small courts approximately 4m x 6m each

Alternative: Benches, chalk lines on ground

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Ready for team identification in group activities

Alternative: Coloured spots stuck on clothing

Key Vocabulary

Catch

To receive and hold a ball safely using your hands

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with your arm moving upward from below your waist

Ready position

Standing alert on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, hands ready

Court positioning

Where you stand on the playing area to be most effective

Target

The area or person you are aiming for when throwing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing underarm technique
Understanding of personal space and boundaries
Simple turn-taking in activities

Current Skills

Consistent catching with correct hand positioning
Tactical throwing to move opponents
Emotional regulation during competition

Next Steps

Catching while moving at speed
Advanced court positioning and tactics
Leading team strategies in invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Catches 8/10 balls thrown directly to them

Can throw ball to all four corners when directed

Remains calm and supportive during competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

Correct hand positioning - fingers up for high balls, down for low balls
Ready position - light on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, hands prepared
Soft hands catching - relaxed arms that give with the ball's impact
Tactical throwing - use placement rather than power to move opponents
Court positioning - return to centre position after each throw for best coverage
Emotional regulation - managing feelings during competitive activities
Sportsmanship - supporting teammates and respecting opponents

Common Misconceptions

Catching with rigid, straight arms instead of soft, giving motion
Using the same hand position for all ball heights
Throwing as hard as possible rather than focusing on accuracy
Standing in corners after throwing instead of returning to centre position
Believing that winning is more important than effort and good sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks when needed

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, provide audio cues for ball location, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking, use written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances, use larger/lighter balls, allow seated catching practice, modify court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, following multi-step instructions, explaining techniques to others

Maths

Counting catches in 4,3,2,1 game, measuring distances between partners, understanding spatial concepts like centre and corners

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and arc of ball flight, body movements and coordination

PSHE

Managing emotions during competition, teamwork and cooperation, celebrating others' successes, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate constantly during activities, positioning to see all students and intervene quickly when needed

Observation Focus

Watch for correct catching technique, safe throwing levels, positive interactions, and emotional regulation

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes unsafe, if students show frustration, or if games become unfair

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations whenever possible, exaggerate key teaching points for clarity, provide both correct and common mistake examples

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands like catching an egg!'
•'Eyes on the ball all the way to your hands!'
•'Ready position - light on your toes!'
•'Good sportsmanship means encouraging everyone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m for multiple courts and team activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate run-off space around activity areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls appropriate size and weight for Year 1 students (tennis ball size or larger)
•Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Nets or court dividers securely positioned and stable
•All equipment stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to face or body from poor catching/throwing
•Collisions between students during games
•Trips and falls when moving quickly around courts
•Emotional upset during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasis on controlled throwing - accuracy over power
•Clear court boundaries with adequate space between activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex tasks
•Active supervision of emotional responses during games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activities simultaneously
•Move between groups during games to monitor safety and fair play
•Intervene quickly if throwing becomes too forceful
•Watch for signs of frustration or conflict during competitive elements

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route from activity area