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Lesson 6 - Sending a Ball with a Racket

Net Games & Racket Skills

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Year 1

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Net and Wall

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can I use a racket to control where my ball goes?

Learning Objectives

To develop sending a ball using a racket
To improve underarm throwing accuracy to a partner
To understand basic racket control and ball tracking

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to push and hit a ball using a racket
Students will demonstrate underarm throwing to a partner
Students will show awareness of ball tracking and positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Skinned Foam Balls

1 per pair (15 total)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for initial practice

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30 total)

Check grip size appropriate for Year 1

Alternative: Short rackets, padder tennis bats for smaller hands

Cones

4 per pair for goals (60 total)

Set up 5m wide goals for Floor Tennis

Alternative: Markers, bean bags as goal posts

Balls

Available for students needing easier option

Alternative: Larger soft balls for differentiation

Key Vocabulary

Racket face

The stringed hitting surface of the racket

Underarm throw

Throwing with hand starting below shoulder level

Sideways stance

Standing with side of body facing the direction you want to hit

Ball tracking

Watching the ball from start to finish of its flight

Ready position

Balanced stance ready to move in any direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple catching and collecting

Current Skills

Racket control for pushing balls
Underarm throwing accuracy
Ball tracking and positioning

Next Steps

Hitting balls after a bounce
Simple rallying with a partner
Introduction to targets and scoring

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hits ball back to partner

Shows sideways stance naturally

Tracks ball with eyes throughout flight

Key Teaching Points

Always watch the ball from start to finish of its journey
Stand sideways like a crab when hitting for better control and power
Use the centre of the racket strings for best ball control
Point your racket where you want the ball to go after hitting
Wait for the ball to bounce once before trying to hit it
Gentle pushes work better than hard hits for accuracy
Good sports always agree on scores and help partners succeed

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder hits are always better - teach control over power
Facing forward when hitting - demonstrate sideways stance benefits
Only focusing on their own success - emphasise helping partner succeed
Rushing to hit before ball bounces - teach patience and timing
Using edge of racket - show sweet spot in centre of strings

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter rackets, slower-moving balls, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, quiet practice area available, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of ball position, tactile guidance for racket grip

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, partner support for communication

physical disability

Seated versions with larger rackets, balloon instead of ball, modified distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful hits, measuring distances between partners, angles for ball direction

Science

Forces and motion - how pushing affects ball speed and direction, gravity effects on dropped balls

Geography

Directional language - left, right, forward, backward, spatial positioning

PSHE

Cooperation and turn-taking, managing frustration when skills are challenging, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for ball tracking, sideways stance, and cooperative turn-taking

Intervention Points

Step in when safety rules not followed or when students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball with your eyes!'
•'Stand like a crab - sideways on!'
•'Point your racket where you want the ball to go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor hard surface

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are secure and handles not cracked
•Ensure balls are soft foam type appropriate for age group
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students
•Slips during rapid direction changes
•Collisions when collecting balls

Risk Mitigation

•All hitting activities in same direction
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing
•Controlled movement with emphasis on awareness
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during partner work
•Extra attention during drop and hit for directional safety
•Monitor equipment handling and collection

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, appropriate first aid if needed, safe evacuation route established