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Lesson 4 - Palm Striking and T Position

Coordination & Partner Play

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Year 1

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Net and Wall

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45 min

Big Question

How can using the correct body position help me strike a ball more accurately?

Learning Objectives

Develop palm striking technique using open hand
Learn and apply the T position for striking
Show increasing control when pushing and patting objects

Key Outcomes

Students will strike a ball using an open palm with improved accuracy
Students will demonstrate the T position when striking
Students will show better control when receiving and striking balls

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls, balloon balls

Coloured Bibs

For warm-up defending activity

Alternative: Bands, coloured cloths

Chalk

5 pieces

To mark targets on walls or ground

Alternative: Cones, markers, tape

Hoops

For target practice activities

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Sun Markers

To mark central positions in circles

Alternative: Small cones, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Palm strike

Hitting the ball with an open, flat hand

T position

Body position with one arm back, one arm forward, forming a T shape

Rebound

When the ball bounces back after hitting a surface

Rally

Hitting the ball back and forth continuously

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Simple striking movements with hands
Understanding of bounce and rebound

Current Skills

Palm striking technique with open hand
T position body positioning
Controlled object manipulation

Next Steps

More complex striking patterns
Introduction to racket skills
Competitive rallying games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent palm contact with ball

Clear T position demonstration

Improved catching after rebounds

Key Teaching Points

T position is sideways body with one arm back, one arm forward pointing direction
Palm strikes use flat, open hand with firm wrist - never use closed fist
Step forward with opposite leg to striking arm for best power and accuracy
Let ball bounce once before catching to develop timing and control
Cooperation and encouragement make everyone better at new skills
Control is more important than power when learning striking techniques
T position helps with accuracy by getting body sideways-on to target

Common Misconceptions

Students think hitting harder means hitting better - emphasise control and accuracy first
Many face forward instead of sideways - repeatedly demonstrate and practice T position
Students use closed fist thinking it's stronger - show how open palm gives better contact
Children step forward with same leg as striking arm - practice opposite leg stepping
Belief that catching before bounce is better - explain one bounce rule benefits timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement frequent

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified T position steps, extra practice time, adult support for complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of T position, tactile guidance for hand placement, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for T position, written instruction cards, visual cues for timing

physical disability

Seated striking variations, larger lighter balls, reduced distances, adapted T position for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for techniques, communication during partner work

Maths

Counting successful strikes and catches, measuring 6-metre distances, recording personal scores and improvements

Science

Understanding forces in striking, bounce and rebound physics, body mechanics and leverage in T position

PSHE

Cooperation in partnerships, encouraging others, honest self-assessment, celebrating diverse achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate constantly during activities, position at corner of area for maximum visibility during group work

Observation Focus

T position accuracy, palm strike technique, partnership cooperation, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students show unsafe technique, struggling with T position, or negative partnership dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate T position from side view for clarity, exaggerate arm positions, use students as positive examples frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Show me that strong T shape!'
•'Open palm, flat hand!'
•'One bounce then catch!'
•'Sideways body, opposite leg forward!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m space with wall access, indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, wall space clear of protruding objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls checked for correct inflation and no damage
•Bibs and markers have no sharp edges or loose parts
•Chalk pieces large enough to avoid choking hazard

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips when moving quickly
•Wall contact during striking practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
•Controlled ball speed emphasised throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Safe distance from walls during striking practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor wall areas for safe spacing and technique
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, continue when safe