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Lesson 5 - Racket and Ball Control Skills

Net Games & Racket Skills

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Year 1

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Net and Wall

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57 min

Big Question

How can I use a racket to control and move a ball with confidence?

Learning Objectives

To develop fundamental racket and ball control skills
To demonstrate balance and coordination when using equipment
To show awareness of space and safety when moving with equipment

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to control a ball using a racket with soft touches
Students will demonstrate improved balance and coordination during racket skills
Students will work safely and cooperatively during partner activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

One per student, spread around teaching area for personal space markers

Alternative: Markers, hoops, or spots

Skinned Foam Balls

Softer balls reduce fear and improve success rates

Alternative: Sponge balls, tennis balls for advanced students

Tennis Rackets

Check grip sizes appropriate for small hands

Alternative: Shorter rackets, paddles for students with coordination difficulties

Balls

For students needing easier equipment to build confidence

Alternative: Soft toys, scarves

Key Vocabulary

Racket

A piece of equipment with a handle and flat surface used to hit balls

Control

Keeping the ball exactly where you want it to go

Soft touches

Gentle contact with the ball using the racket

Ready position

Standing with feet apart, knees slightly bent, ready to move

Centre of racket

The middle part of the racket face that gives best control

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of personal space
Ability to hold and carry equipment safely
Experience with simple ball handling activities

Current Skills

Racket grip and control techniques
Ball control with racket on ground and in air
Moving with equipment while maintaining control
Partner cooperation in catching activities

Next Steps

Hitting balls to specific targets
Basic rally skills with a partner
Introduction to simple net and wall games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently soft touches with racket

Maintains balance during movement activities

Shows control when catching ball on racket

Demonstrates spatial awareness during activities

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise gentle, soft touches throughout all activities
Correct racket grip is fundamental to all skills
Centre of racket provides best control for ball contact
Balance and coordination develop through progressive challenges
Partner cooperation enhances learning and builds social skills
Safety awareness must be maintained during all movement activities
Building confidence is as important as developing physical skills

Common Misconceptions

Students think harder hits give better control - emphasise gentle touches
Belief that any part of racket is equally good - teach centre sweet spot
Assumption that speed equals skill - teach control before pace
Partners should compete rather than cooperate - emphasise helping each other
Equipment can be handled carelessly - teach respect and safety with tools

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, movement opportunities throughout, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller steps, use larger/lighter equipment, extra practice time, adult support for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent equipment placement

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of movements, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations clearly, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards available

physical disability

Seated racket skills, use lighter equipment, modify distances and timing, provide stability support

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, communicating with partners

Science

Understanding forces when hitting ball gently vs hard, gravity effects on ball bounce, coordination and balance

PSHE

Cooperation with partners, helping others succeed, managing frustration when skills are difficult

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for gentle ball contact, correct racket grip, good balance during movement

Intervention Points

Step in if ball control techniques incorrect, if partners not cooperating, if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Show all skills clearly, emphasise key points through exaggerated movement, use student demonstrations for peer learning

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches only!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Centre of the racket!'
•'Gentle bounces to help your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor or outdoor space, minimum 15m x 20m for 30 students

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for ball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket handles for splinters or damage
•Ensure balls are appropriate size and softness for age group
•Cones positioned safely to avoid tripping hazards
•Regular equipment inspection for wear

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Eye injuries from flying balls
•Trips over equipment or other students
•Overexertion during balance challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between students emphasised
•Gentle ball contact reinforced throughout
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Equipment stored safely when not in use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor partner activities closely for cooperation
•Watch for signs of fatigue during balance challenges
•Ensure equipment sharing is organised and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and calm