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Lesson 8 - Hitting a Ball Over a Net

Net Games & Racket Skills

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Year 1

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Net and Wall

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Big Question

How can we use a racket to send a ball exactly where we want it to go?

Learning Objectives

To develop hitting a ball over a net using a racket
To demonstrate control and accuracy when hitting with a racket
To show awareness of space and opponents during net games

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully hit a ball over a net using a racket
Students will demonstrate improved racket control and ball placement
Students will apply simple tactics to place the ball away from opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

15 for net line, 15 for baseline markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or other boundary markers

Hoops

30 (1 per student)

Spread around area for individual practice spaces

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked targets

Skinned Foam Balls

30 (1 per student)

Easier to control than tennis balls, safer for beginners

Alternative: Tennis balls for advanced students, larger soft balls for support

Tennis Rackets

30 (1 per student)

Check all rackets are appropriate size for Year 1 students

Alternative: Shorter rackets for smaller students, paddles for support

Key Vocabulary

Racket face

The flat hitting surface of the racket

Net

The barrier that divides the court that the ball must go over

Baseline

The back line of the court that the ball must land before

Ready position

Standing with knees bent, racket ready, watching the ball

Control

Being able to make the ball go where you want it to

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Simple underarm throwing
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Racket familiarisation and grip
Ball control with racket
Hitting over a net with accuracy

Next Steps

Developing consistent net clearance
Introduction to basic serving
Simple game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Can balance ball on racket for 5 seconds

Hits ball into hoop 3 out of 5 attempts

Successfully hits ball over net 5 consecutive times

Key Teaching Points

Gentle contact produces better accuracy than power hitting
Follow through with racket face pointing towards target
Watch the ball throughout the hitting action
Tactical placement away from opponents is more effective than random hitting
Ready position with knees bent improves reaction time
Safety through controlled movements and awareness of others
Sportsmanship and encouragement enhance everyone's learning

Common Misconceptions

Harder hitting always equals better results - actually soft control is more effective
Looking away from ball during contact - students must track ball throughout
Standing upright when ready to catch - ready position requires knees bent
Hitting anywhere in court scores points - must go over net and before baseline
Individual success is most important - teamwork and sportsmanship are equally valuable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback and refocusing

dyspraxia

Larger balls, simplified sequences, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on display, hand signals for key concepts

physical disability

Adapted rackets or larger hitting implements, seated versions of activities, modified court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points and scores, measuring distances for court boundaries, shapes recognition in court layout

Science

Forces and motion when hitting balls, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight, materials and their properties

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, understanding court boundaries and areas, position and movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all students, move around space to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, gentle hitting technique, tactical awareness, and safe movement

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe racket handling observed, if students struggling with basic skills, or if game rules being ignored

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion demonstrations for technique, show tactical concepts using court space, model positive sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Soft contact, not power!'
•'Point your racket where you want the ball to go!'
•'Look for the gaps!'
•'Ready position - knees bent!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m area with clear boundaries, adequate space for court setup

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and ball bouncing, free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for damage and appropriate size
•Ensure balls are in good condition
•Verify cones are stable and not cracked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Tripping over equipment or boundaries
•Racket contact between students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
•Controlled hitting technique emphasised over power
•Safe ball collection procedures taught
•Awareness of others during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor racket handling during skill development
•Watch for safe movement during ball collection

Emergency Procedures

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

Lesson 8 - Hitting a Ball Over a Net

How can we use a racket to send a ball exactly where we want it to go?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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