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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to keep the ball and pass it safely to our friends?

Learning Objectives

  • To pass the ball consistently with control to teammates
  • To retain possession of the ball when under pressure
  • To understand how to shield the ball using body positioning

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate controlled passing to teammates in game situations
  • Students will use their body to shield the ball from defenders
  • Students will show good teamwork and communication during activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distributed around activity areas, different sizes available

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls for control practice

Coloured Bibs
15 (for team identification)

Two different colours for team games

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured balls

Cones
22 cones

Mark boundaries and grid areas, ensure no sharp edges

Alternative: Markers, spots, rope boundaries

Tails
8 tails

Safely secured, easily removable

Alternative: Ribbon, coloured cloths tucked in waistbands

Key Vocabulary

Shielding

Using your body as a barrier to keep the ball away from defenders

Possession

Having control of the ball and keeping it safe from the other team

Dummy pass

Pretending to pass in one direction but passing in another to trick defenders

Support

Moving to help a teammate by getting in a good position to receive a pass

Intercept

Stopping or catching the ball when the other team tries to pass it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and control
  • Simple passing to stationary partners
  • Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

  • Controlled passing under pressure
  • Ball shielding techniques
  • Deception and dummy movements

Next Steps

  • Passing in fast-paced game situations
  • Advanced shielding and turning
  • Team tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent ball control during passing
2
Effective use of body as shield
3
Quick decision-making in possession

Key Teaching Points

  • Keep body between ball and defender when shielding
  • Pass quickly and accurately under pressure
  • Move to support teammates in possession
  • Use dummy passes and eye deception to fool defenders
  • Communicate with teammates during possession play
  • Make quick decisions about when to pass or dribble
  • Maintain fair play and sporting behaviour

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking shielding means turning back to defender completely - should be sideways
  • Believing faster passes are always better - controlled passes are more important
  • Only looking at the ball when dribbling - need to watch defender too
  • Using dummy passes every single time - they become predictable
  • Thinking possession means keeping ball individually - it's about team control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, reduced complexity initially, extra demonstration time
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet zone available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, provide audio cues for direction, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards available
physical disability
  • Seated versions of activities, larger balls for easier handling, modified distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces in passing, body movement and coordination, effect of exercise on heart rate

Geography

Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork skills, managing emotions during competition, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the area constantly to observe all students, position at corners for wide-angle views

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, safety awareness, fair play, and student engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with concepts, unsafe play occurs, or conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Use student models whenever possible, exaggerate key points for visibility, break down complex skills into simple steps

Verbal Cues
  • 'Keep your body between the ball and defender!'
  • 'Quick passes, safe passes!'
  • 'Move to help your teammate!'
  • 'Eyes up, look for space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large space minimum 20m x 30m, preferably sports hall or playground

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from hazards and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check balls are properly inflated and appropriate weight
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Tails securely attached but easily removable

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during active games
  • Trips and falls during fast movement
  • Ball strikes to face or body
  • Aggressive behaviour during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and enforced
  • Adequate spacing between activity areas
  • Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • Emphasis on fair play and no physical contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all groups
  • Monitor competitive activities closely
  • Be ready to intervene in aggressive situations
  • Check on students who may be struggling
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury/situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed