Lesson 4 - Palm Striking and T Position
Coordination & Partner Play
•Year 1
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls, balloon balls
For warm-up defending activity
Alternative: Bands, coloured cloths
To mark targets on walls or ground
Alternative: Cones, markers, tape
For target practice activities
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
To mark central positions in circles
Alternative: Small cones, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball with an open, flat hand
Body position with one arm back, one arm forward, forming a T shape
When the ball bounces back after hitting a surface
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
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