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Lesson 3 - Playing Against Opponent & Scoring

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 play fairly against an opponent while keeping track of who is winning?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to play competitively against an opponent
To learn how to keep score accurately during games
To understand the concept of fair play and sportsmanship

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to throw underarm accurately at targets
Students will demonstrate understanding of simple scoring systems
Students will show awareness of opponents during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

90 (class set)

Distribute in sets of 6 per pair for boundary marking and targets

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles

Hoops

15 (half class set)

Spread evenly around activity space for warm-up and skill practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

One ball per pair, extras available for quick replacement

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags, foam balls

Balls

5-10

Available for students needing easier catching option

Alternative: Larger soft balls, beach balls

Key Vocabulary

Opponent

The person you are playing against in a game

Score

The number of points each player has won

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball from below your waist with your arm swinging forwards

Target

Something you aim at when throwing

Fair play

Playing honestly and being kind to your opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of taking turns
Simple counting skills

Current Skills

Competitive play against opponents
Score keeping and announcement
Target-based throwing games

Next Steps

More complex net games with nets/barriers
Advanced scoring systems
Tactical awareness in competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent underarm throwing technique

Accurate score tracking for 5+ points

Fair play demonstrated consistently

Key Teaching Points

Always use underarm throwing technique - never overarm in these games
Scores must be announced clearly after every point for fairness
Fair play is more important than winning - celebrate good sportsmanship
Ready position with knees bent helps with catching and balance
Opponents are friends we play against, not enemies we fight
Follow through by pointing where you want the ball to go
Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if unsure

Common Misconceptions

Thinking opponents are enemies rather than friends who provide challenge
Believing winning is more important than playing fairly
Assuming overarm throws are better than underarm for accuracy
Not understanding that both players benefit from clear score announcements
Thinking games are only fun if you win rather than enjoying the play itself

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time, demonstrate skills multiple times slowly

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet break space if needed, use consistent language and rules

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of scoring, pair with sighted buddy for games

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for score announcements, demonstrate all rules clearly, provide written score cards

physical disability

Adapt throwing to seated/supported position, use larger/lighter balls as needed, modify targets closer if required

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following verbal instructions, clear oral communication when announcing scores, vocabulary development with sports terminology

Maths

Counting and comparing scores, understanding greater than/less than in competitive situations, recording and tracking numerical data

Science

Understanding forces in throwing actions, observing cause and effect in ball trajectories, exploring balance and coordination

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, dealing with winning and losing appropriately, cooperation and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all pairs, position near competitive games to ensure fair play

Observation Focus

Watch for underarm throwing technique, listen for clear score announcements, monitor sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues or disputes, provide technique reminders as needed

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate underarm throwing clearly, exaggerate good sporting behaviour, model clear score announcements with enthusiasm

Verbal Cues

•'Underarm throws only!'
•'What's the score?'
•'Excellent fair play!'
•'Bend those knees when you land!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor space, minimum 20m x 15m clear area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any equipment left from previous lessons

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure hoops are flat on ground to prevent tripping
•Confirm cones are not cracked and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face/head during throwing activities
•Slips and falls during jumping warm-up
•Collisions when moving between activities
•Arguments or disputes during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise underarm throwing only - no overarm throws
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
•Controlled jumping with emphasis on safe landing
•Clear rules and fair play expectations before competitive games
•Adult supervision of score disputes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all throwing activities
•Monitor competitive games for fair play
•Watch for proper technique during skill practice
•Intervene quickly in any disputes

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely occupied during incident management