Lesson 3 - Playing Against Opponent & Scoring
Net Games & Racket Skills
•Year 1
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute in sets of 6 per pair for boundary marking and targets
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles
Spread evenly around activity space for warm-up and skill practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops
One ball per pair, extras available for quick replacement
Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags, foam balls
Available for students needing easier catching option
Alternative: Larger soft balls, beach balls
Key Vocabulary
The person you are playing against in a game
The number of points each player has won
Throwing the ball from below your waist with your arm swinging forwards
Something you aim at when throwing
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
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