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Lesson 5 - Palm Striking & Rally Skills

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 we work together to keep a ball moving between us using only our hands?

Learning Objectives

To strike a small ball with open palm showing improved accuracy
To maintain a short rally with a partner using palm strikes
To demonstrate effective communication and cooperation during partner activities

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to strike a ball with their palm over a net to their partner
Students will maintain rallies of 2-3 consecutive strikes with a partner
Students will communicate positively and work cooperatively throughout activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

Coloured Cones

9 sets of 3 different colours

Arranged in triangular formations for warm-up

Alternative: Coloured markers, spots

Nets

7 nets at child height

Height appropriate for Year 1 - approximately waist high

Alternative: Cones in lines, benches on sides

Wall Space

Wall area for individual practice

Clear wall space with safety zones marked

Alternative: Large rebound boards, outdoor walls

Key Vocabulary

Palm strike

Hitting the ball with the flat, open palm of your hand

T-position

Standing sideways with one arm up for backswing, one arm pointing forward

Rally

Keeping the ball going back and forth between partners without stopping

Ready position

Feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, hands ready

Line of the ball

Moving your feet to get directly behind where the ball is coming

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and safety
Simple ball bouncing skills

Current Skills

Palm striking technique with T-position stance
Rally building with a partner
Ready position for receiving

Next Steps

More complex rally patterns
Introduction to simple net games
Basic serving techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistently strikes ball with palm using correct technique

Maintains rallies of 3+ consecutive strikes

Shows excellent partnership skills and communication

Key Teaching Points

T-position is fundamental - sideways body position with arms forming T-shape
Opposite foot forward to striking hand for balance and power transfer
Palm flat with fingers together creates best striking surface
Get into line of the ball before attempting to strike
Ready position with feet shoulder-width apart helps with receiving
Cooperation and communication are as important as striking technique
Control and accuracy more valuable than power in rally building

Common Misconceptions

Students often face forward instead of sideways - demonstrate fence analogy
Same foot forward as striking hand reduces power - emphasise opposite foot forward
Trying to hit too hard makes catches impossible - teach control first
Not moving feet to get in line with ball - practice positioning without ball first
Competing against partner instead of cooperating - reinforce team success goals

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger balls, simplified T-position, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines for partner changes, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for demonstrations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for T-position, written key points on display

physical disability

Seated striking version, balloon or larger balls, modified distances and net heights

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive strikes and catches, measuring net heights and distances

Science

Forces in ball striking, trajectory and bounce patterns, body mechanics in T-position

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning relative to nets and boundaries

PSHE

Cooperation skills, encouraging others, dealing with frustration constructively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

T-position maintenance, striking control, partner communication, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaking down, support struggling partnerships, reinforce safety

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate T-position for visibility, show striking motion slowly, emphasise follow-through direction

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your T-position!'
•'Sideways like a fence!'
•'Palm flat, fingers together!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space with wall areas, or outdoor hard court with rebound walls

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate for dynamic movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls inflated to appropriate pressure for safe striking
•Nets stable and at correct height with no sharp edges
•Cones with rounded edges and stable base
•Wall areas clear of protruding fixtures

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body from uncontrolled hitting
•Collisions during position swapping and doubles games
•Trips from balls rolling in playing area
•Overexertion from continuous striking activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between pairs and activity areas
•Controlled striking technique taught before power
•Regular ball collection to prevent trip hazards
•Rest periods built into activity structure

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all striking areas
•Monitor net areas for safe doubles play
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure adequate space during position changes

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required