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Lesson 4 - Target Skills Under Pressure

Game Skills & Tactics

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we stay accurate when we're under pressure or working quickly?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing, catching and bouncing skills for scoring points
To work effectively under time pressure to hit targets
To transfer target skills into competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in target-hitting activities
Students will work cooperatively in small teams under time constraints
Students will apply target skills in a competitive game context

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Store in central container for easy distribution

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, rolled socks

Hoops

8-12

Various sizes for different challenge levels

Alternative: Buckets, cones, chalk circles

Cones

Mark throwing lines and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, small equipment

Clipboards

6-8

One per group for score tracking

Alternative: Simple tally charts on paper

Key Vocabulary

Target

Something you aim at to score points

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you aim

Pressure

When you have to work quickly or under time limits

Technique

The way you hold and throw the ball

Teamwork

Working together to achieve a goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working with partners

Current Skills

Accurate throwing at targets
Working under time pressure
Applying skills in competitive situations

Next Steps

Advanced target games with moving targets
Team strategy development
Introduction to invasion game principles

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy from designated throwing line

Calm performance under time pressure

Effective teamwork in competitive scenarios

Key Teaching Points

Accuracy comes from consistent technique, not power
Working under pressure requires calm concentration and practice
Teamwork involves encouraging others and sharing responsibility
Target skills can be applied in many different game situations
Practice and patience lead to improvement in accuracy
Communication helps teams work more effectively
Safe equipment handling is essential for everyone's enjoyment

Common Misconceptions

Throwing harder will make you more accurate - correct with focus on smooth, controlled technique
Only hitting the target matters - emphasise that good technique and improvement are equally important
Individual success is more important than team success - reinforce collaborative achievements
Pressure always makes performance worse - show how practice helps maintain skills under pressure
You can't get better at accuracy - demonstrate that consistent practice leads to improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific roles within teams

dyspraxia

Larger targets, simplified throwing technique, extra practice time, peer buddy support

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured targets, audible targets like bells in hoops, verbal descriptions of layout

hearing impairment

Visual signals for commands, clear demonstration of activities, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated throwing positions, larger targets closer to thrower, modified equipment like larger bean bags

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using descriptive vocabulary for movement, discussing tactics with partners

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and accuracy, effect of exercise on body

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience when missing targets, celebrating others' success, fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position to see all throwing areas during target practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, safe equipment handling, positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe throwing occurs, support teams struggling with cooperation, adjust difficulty if frustration develops

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate throwing technique slowly and clearly, exaggerate key points like stepping forward and follow-through

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on target!'
•'Smooth and gentle!'
•'Wait for clear space!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor space, minimum 15m x 20m for multiple game areas

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft bean bags or foam balls only
•Check hoops for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure adequate equipment for group sizes

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Equipment striking other students
•Trips over target equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones with safe retrieval procedures
•Designated areas for each team/activity
•Wait signals before throwing
•Soft, age-appropriate equipment only

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all throwing areas
•Monitor equipment collection procedures
•Ensure safe spacing during activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all students, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for equipment-related injuries