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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to move the ball and score points?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate throwing skills to teammates
  • To understand how to support teammates when they have the ball
  • To demonstrate basic team cooperation and communication

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to throw a ball accurately to a teammate using bounce and chest passes
  • Students will move into space to support their team
  • Students will demonstrate understanding of teamwork in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Soft foam balls, netballs (size 4), basketballs (size 5)

Cones
30 mixed colours

Different colours for various activities - 4 per group for 3v1

Alternative: Dome markers, poly spots, bean bags

Team bibs
5 sets (different colours)

One set for each group of 6 students

Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, team pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

Throwing the ball so it bounces once before reaching your teammate

Chest pass

Throwing the ball directly from chest height to your teammate's chest

Space

An empty area where you can move to receive the ball safely

Support

Moving to help your teammate by being ready to receive the ball

Interception

When the defending team catches or stops the ball meant for the attacking team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic throwing and catching with two hands
  • Understanding of personal space
  • Following simple game rules

Current Skills

  • Bounce pass technique
  • Chest pass accuracy
  • Moving without the ball to support teammates
  • Basic team tactics in 3v1 situations

Next Steps

  • Advanced passing under pressure
  • Creating scoring opportunities
  • Defending as a team unit

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy in passes over 3 metres
2
Moving to space before receiving the ball
3
Communicating with teammates during play

Key Teaching Points

  • Point hands in direction of pass for accuracy and power
  • Move into space away from defenders to support teammates
  • Keep feet still when holding the ball to develop control
  • Look for unmarked teammates during attacking play
  • Communicate with teammates through calling and signaling
  • Use appropriate pass type for distance and situation
  • Catch with two hands using wide fingers for control

Common Misconceptions

  • Students thinking they can run with the ball like in other sports
  • Believing that throwing harder always makes passes more accurate
  • Assuming that standing close to teammates is always helpful
  • Thinking that the same type of pass works in all situations
  • Misunderstanding that scoring quickly is more important than team cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement as positive outlet
dyspraxia
  • Allow extra practice time, use larger balls initially, break down skills into smaller steps, celebrate small improvements
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear, consistent routines, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if needed for breaks
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for activities
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions on cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
  • Modify throwing distances as appropriate, allow seated participation where possible, use lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, explaining tactical decisions, discussing teamwork

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances for activities, calculating scores in team games, understanding spatial relationships

Science

Understanding forces in ball throwing, observing body changes during exercise, learning about balance and coordination

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between activities to provide individual feedback, position at corners during games for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for proper passing technique, effective teamwork, and safe play behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs, provide technique corrections during practice, mediate any disputes during games

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations, show common mistakes and corrections clearly

Verbal Cues
  • 'Point your hands where you want the ball to go!'
  • 'Look for the player who isn't being defended!'
  • 'Move into space to help your teammate!'
  • 'Keep your feet still when you have the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, suitable for running and ball throwing activities

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check balls are properly inflated - not over or under-inflated
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify team bands are in good condition without holes

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during movement activities
  • Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
  • Trips and falls during running activities
  • Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
  • Establish clear boundaries and maintain adequate spacing between activities
  • Teach and reinforce proper catching technique with two hands
  • Ensure students are warmed up before intensive activities
  • Monitor activity levels and provide rest breaks as needed
  • Use appropriately sized balls for age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all groups during 3v1 games
  • Move between pairs during passing practice to monitor technique
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating
  • Monitor sportsmanship and fair play during competitive activities
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required, complete incident documentation