Lesson 2 - Ready Position for Defence
Net Games & Racket Skills
•Year 1
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can being ready help us defend our space better?
Learning Objectives
- To defend space on court by using the ready position
- To develop ball handling skills through catching and throwing
- To understand the importance of positioning in net and wall games
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ready position with correct body posture
- Students will show improved ability to catch balls using proper technique
- Students will understand how positioning helps defend space effectively
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area for spacing and boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk circles
Start with balls placed on cones for warm-up activities
Alternative: Bean bags for students with catching difficulties
Available for differentiation and support activities
Alternative: Slightly deflated footballs or soft play balls
Key Vocabulary
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready, looking forward
Protecting your area by being in the best position to reach the ball
Throwing the ball with your hand starting low and moving upward
Hands shaped like a cup to catch the ball safely
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with larger balls
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Ready position technique
- Catching tennis balls with improved control
- Basic positioning for defending space
Next Steps
- Advanced ready position applications
- Introduction of simple net games
- Strategic placement of throws
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is foundation for all defensive movement - feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, head up
- Eyes must track the ball throughout flight and bounce - this is crucial for successful catching
- Movement should be from ready position to ball and back to ready position - establishing this pattern early
- Underarm throwing provides better control and accuracy than overarm for beginners
- Returning to centre/ready position allows equal movement in all directions for defensive coverage
- Partner cooperation and positive encouragement builds confidence and enjoyment
- Quality of movement is more important than speed - emphasise control over rushing
Common Misconceptions
- Students think standing still is being ready - correct by showing ready position allows quick movement
- Students believe catching is just about hands - emphasise feet movement and body positioning
- Students think throwing hard is better - demonstrate control and accuracy benefits of underarm throwing
- Students assume ready position is only for catching - explain its importance in all net and wall games
- Students think they should stay where they catch - explain tactical advantage of returning to centre position
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback for good focus
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, break down ready position into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use playground balls initially
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson sections, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, consistent partner throughout
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured playground balls instead of tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of ready position, use tactile guidance for correct stance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for ready position, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face
physical disability
- Modify ready position for seated students, use larger softer balls, reduce throwing distances, provide support for catching activities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting catches, measuring distances between partners, timing activities with seconds, spatial concepts of position and direction
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, gravity affecting ball bounce, body systems working during exercise
Geography
Directional language (forward, backward, left, right), understanding of space and positioning concepts
PSHE
Cooperation and communication skills, taking turns fairly, encouraging others, dealing with success and failure positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around activity area to observe all students, position yourself where you can see most pairs during partner work
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position technique, safe movement patterns, and positive partner interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if students showing unsafe movement, incorrect technique, or negative interaction with partner
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated ready position for visibility, demonstrate all catches in slow motion first, show common mistakes and corrections
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - feet apart, knees bent!'
- •'Watch the ball with your eyes!'
- •'Move your feet to the ball!'
- •'Back to ready position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 20m x 15m for class of 30
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for quick movement activities, check for wet patches or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
- •Check playground balls are not over-inflated
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips and falls during quick movement activities
- •Collisions between students during catching games
- •Tennis balls causing facial contact during catching
- •Improper lifting technique when picking up balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
- •Emphasise controlled movement rather than maximum speed
- •Teach proper bending technique for collecting balls from floor
- •Ensure students understand underarm throwing rules
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during movement activities
- •Monitor partner work for appropriate feeding distances
- •Watch for fatigue affecting movement quality and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, arrange further medical attention if needed