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Lesson 1 - Sending and Receiving with Accuracy

Coordination & Partner Play

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Year 1

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Net and Wall

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Big Question

How can we use our whole body to send and receive a ball accurately?

Learning Objectives

Develop sending skills with increasing accuracy using underarm technique
Improve receiving skills by moving into position and tracking the ball
Understand and demonstrate the ready position for catching

Key Outcomes

Students will send a ball with some degree of accuracy using underarm throws
Students will receive a ball by moving swiftly into the right position
Students will demonstrate what a 'ready position' looks like

Equipment & Resources Required

Medium-Sized Balls

1 per pair (15)

Distribute around area perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for easier catching

Balloon Balls

6-8 for games

Keep in equipment bag for game activities

Alternative: Large soft play balls, foam balls

Coloured Bibs

10 (for warm-up game)

One per group of 3 for defend your friend

Alternative: Coloured bands or scarves

Hoops

6 (for Fill your House game)

Place 5 metres from team starting lines

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

20 for boundaries and net

Set up net line and game boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for corners

Sun Markers

6 for circle centres

Place in centre of each group circle

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Standing with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to catch

Underarm Throw

Throwing technique with arm swinging low and forward

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes from start to catch

Cushioning

Soft hands that give way slightly when catching to absorb impact

Accuracy

Sending the ball to exactly where you want it to go

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple throwing and catching attempts

Current Skills

Underarm throwing with step forward
Tracking ball with eyes
Ready position with weight on balls of feet
Moving to receive a ball

Next Steps

Throwing over a net with accuracy
Catching while under pressure
Simple game tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent underarm throwing action

Eyes tracking ball throughout flight

Quick movement to ball position

Successful consecutive catches

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is foundation for all catching - weight on balls of feet, knees bent, hands ready
Underarm throwing only - step forward with opposite foot for accuracy and safety
Eyes must track ball from release to catch for successful receiving
Movement to ball position is as important as the catching action itself
Gentle throws ensure safety and allow for skill development
Communication in games prevents collisions and improves teamwork
Positive encouragement helps all students develop confidence and skills

Common Misconceptions

Students think throwing harder means more accurate - emphasise control over power
Standing still and reaching for balls rather than moving feet to get in position
Focus only on catching success rather than quality of ready position and movement
Believing only 'natural' catchers can improve - all students can develop through practice
Overarm throwing is better - underarm is safer and more accurate for beginners
Games are just for fun - they're skill application opportunities requiring technique focus

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified sequences, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball position, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instructions when needed

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, use larger lighter balls, seated versions of activities where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, communicating during games, using vocabulary correctly

Maths

Counting consecutive catches, measuring distances for games, understanding scoring systems

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory of balls, balance and coordination in movement

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, self-assessment and reflection, supporting others and positive communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal view of all students, position near less confident groups when needed

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, underarm throwing technique, catching improvement, and positive cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when safety issues arise, technique needs correction, or students need encouragement to participate

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for ready position, show underarm throwing with opposite foot step, demonstrate tracking ball with head movement

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - bouncy and alert!'
•'Underarm like bowling!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Eyes on the ball all the way!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor playground area minimum 20m x 15m

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Confirm hoops are in good condition and lie flat
•Verify bibs are secure but not too tight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement games
•Balls hitting students in face during throwing activities
•Trips and falls during quick movement exercises
•Overexertion in active game phases

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on gentle throws and underarm technique only
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex activities
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during activities
•Monitor throwing technique to ensure safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure inclusive participation while maintaining safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required