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Lesson 2 - Ready Position for Defence

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 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

Cones

Distributed around activity area for spacing and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk circles

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Start with balls placed on cones for warm-up activities

Alternative: Bean bags for students with catching difficulties

Balls

Available for differentiation and support activities

Alternative: Slightly deflated footballs or soft play balls

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready, looking forward

Defending space

Protecting your area by being in the best position to reach the ball

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with your hand starting low and moving upward

Cupped hands

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

Consistent ready position stance

Successful catches in 7 out of 10 attempts

Quick return to defensive position

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