Lesson 7 - Placing and Defending Over a Net
Net Games & Racket Skills
•Year 1
•Net and Wall
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How can we use clever throws and quick movements to score points and defend our space in net games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop playing over a net and defending space through accurate throwing and strategic positioning
- To develop placing the ball with precision and tactical awareness in net games
- To understand scoring systems and apply simple tactics in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when throwing over a net
- Students will show understanding of defensive positioning and quick reactions
- Students will apply tactical thinking to place balls away from opponents
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Small foam balls, tennis balls for progression
Various colours if available to aid target identification
Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, chalk circles on ground
Set at appropriate height for Year 1 - approximately waist height
Alternative: Benches, rope between cones, line of cones
Check inflation and condition before lesson
Alternative: Foam balls, playground balls for easier catching
Bright colours to help identify taggers clearly
Alternative: Coloured bands, bibs, or cones to hold
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with palm facing up, arm swinging forward from below shoulder height
Balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, ready to move quickly in any direction
The curved path the ball or beanbag follows through the air over the net
Protecting your space by moving to stop the ball or beanbag from landing in target areas
Smart plans or tricks used to score points or stop opponents from scoring
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique with beanbags
- Simple catching skills with both hands
- Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Current Skills
- Throwing over obstacles with trajectory awareness
- Tactical placement of balls and beanbags
- Defensive positioning and quick reactions
- Basic scoring and competitive play
Next Steps
- Advanced net games with smaller targets
- Team-based net and wall activities
- Introduction of simple serving techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Underarm throwing with palm up and smooth trajectory over net obstacles
- Ready position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet for quick movement
- Tactical deception using fake throws and placement away from opponents
- Accurate throwing that considers partner's or opponent's position
- Fair play and positive sportsmanship in competitive rally situations
- Progressive challenge from beanbags to balls with appropriate technique adjustment
- Understanding scoring systems and calling scores clearly during games
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking throwing harder will be more successful - emphasise accuracy over power
- Believing defensive play is less important - celebrate good defensive moves equally
- Assuming net games only need throwing skills - highlight importance of positioning and tactics
- Expecting immediate success with balls after beanbag practice - explain equipment differences
- Focusing only on winning rather than skill development - emphasise learning and improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity phases, frequent position changes, clear boundary markers, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger beanbags initially, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns, patient skill building
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available during competitive play
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured beanbags and balls, provide verbal descriptions of net height and target positions, buddy system for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, visual score tracking methods
physical disability
- Seated throwing version, modified net heights, adapted equipment like larger/softer balls, reduced throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting rallies and scores, understanding trajectory angles, measuring distances for stepping back
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity affecting trajectory over net, reaction time in defensive play
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding court boundaries and target placement
PSHE
Fair play and sportsmanship, dealing with competition, supporting partners during practice
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of activity area for optimal view of all pairs, move between groups during practice phases
Observation Focus
Watch for trajectory adjustment over net, tactical thinking in placement, ready position adoption
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too forceful, if students struggle with tactical concepts, or if competitive spirit becomes negative
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for trajectory paths, demonstrate fake throws clearly, show ready position with obvious knee bend for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Palm up, smooth throw!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
- •'Where's the empty space?'
- •'Fake one way, throw the other!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area with net setup, adequate spacing between pairs (4m minimum)
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or obstacles, suitable for quick movement and safe landing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure hoops lie flat with no raised edges
- •Verify net height appropriate for age group
- •Confirm beanbags are intact with no loose filling
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Balls hitting students in face during throws
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
- •Equipment trips from hoops or nets
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Adequate spacing maintained between all pairs
- •Progressive skill building from beanbags to balls
- •Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during target games
- •Monitor throwing force and technique continuously
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safe movement
- •Ensure equipment is being used appropriately
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed