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Lesson 7 - Placing and Defending 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 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

Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Small foam balls, tennis balls for progression

Hoops

30 (2 per pair)

Various colours if available to aid target identification

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, chalk circles on ground

Nets

1 (optional)

Set at appropriate height for Year 1 - approximately waist height

Alternative: Benches, rope between cones, line of cones

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Foam balls, playground balls for easier catching

Bean bags

6 (3 blue for 'ice', 3 yellow for 'sun')

Bright colours to help identify taggers clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands, bibs, or cones to hold

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing with palm facing up, arm swinging forward from below shoulder height

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, ready to move quickly in any direction

Trajectory

The curved path the ball or beanbag follows through the air over the net

Defend

Protecting your space by moving to stop the ball or beanbag from landing in target areas

Tactics

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

Consistent catching of balls thrown over net

Tactical awareness in placement throws

Quick movement from ready position to defend

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