Lesson 2 - Catching and Court Movement
Ball Control Foundations
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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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
Stored in baskets around the activity area perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for students with catching difficulties
Placed as central markers for warm-up activity
Alternative: Chalk circles, hoop markers
Placed 5 metres from team starting positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Set up to create small courts approximately 4m x 6m each
Alternative: Benches, chalk lines on ground
Ready for team identification in group activities
Alternative: Coloured spots stuck on clothing
Key Vocabulary
To receive and hold a ball safely using your hands
Throwing the ball with your arm moving upward from below your waist
Standing alert on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, hands ready
Where you stand on the playing area to be most effective
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
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