Lesson 4 - Target Skills Under Pressure
Game Skills & Tactics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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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
Store in central container for easy distribution
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, rolled socks
Various sizes for different challenge levels
Alternative: Buckets, cones, chalk circles
Mark throwing lines and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, small equipment
One per group for score tracking
Alternative: Simple tally charts on paper
Key Vocabulary
Something you aim at to score points
Hitting exactly where you aim
When you have to work quickly or under time limits
The way you hold and throw the ball
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
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