Lesson 1 - Sending and Receiving with Accuracy
Coordination & Partner Play
•Year 1
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute around area perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for easier catching
Keep in equipment bag for game activities
Alternative: Large soft play balls, foam balls
One per group of 3 for defend your friend
Alternative: Coloured bands or scarves
Place 5 metres from team starting lines
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Set up net line and game boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for corners
Place in centre of each group circle
Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
Standing with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to catch
Throwing technique with arm swinging low and forward
Following the ball with your eyes from start to catch
Soft hands that give way slightly when catching to absorb impact
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
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