Ball Skills & Teamwork
•Year 1
•Sending and Receiving
•Various colours if available for Three Ball Challenge
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, soft tennis balls
Used as improvised nets and boundary markers
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, small equipment
For Three Ball Challenge activity
Alternative: Any coloured balls that are safe for Year 1
Lightest balls for easiest handling
Alternative: Soft playground balls
Age-appropriate size for Year 1 students
Alternative: Table tennis bats, hands only
For extension activities as higher 'nets'
Alternative: Ropes between cones, chalk lines
To catch, stop or control a ball coming towards you
To send the ball back to your partner after receiving it
Standing on toes with knees bent, facing forward and alert
Moving your body to get behind or in line with the ball
To stop or catch the ball before it goes past you
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Following and giving instructions, using descriptive language for movement and body parts, communication during partner work
Counting throws and catches, measuring distances for equipment setup, understanding of patterns in Three Ball Challenge sequence
Forces and motion when balls bounce and roll, understanding gravity's effect on ball trajectory, observation and prediction skills
Cooperation and teamwork with partners, building confidence through success, supporting others' learning and development
Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position at corners for maximum visibility, avoid standing in middle of activities
Movement quality and safety; Partner cooperation and communication; Correct technique for receiving and returning; Understanding of ready position
["When throwing/hitting becomes too forceful", "If students struggle with ready position", "When partner cooperation breaks down", "If understanding of colour responses is unclear"]
Always demonstrate with a student volunteer, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity, maintain enthusiastic and encouraging tone
Minimum hall size 15m x 12m, clear of obstacles, adequate ceiling height for ball throws
Non-slip hall surface, check for any wet areas or debris, ensure adequate friction for movement
Stop all activity immediately on safety concern, assess injury/situation, apply first aid if qualified, contact office/medical support as needed, document any incidents
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