Lesson 5 - Rally Skills and Ball Control
Ball Skills & Teamwork
•Year 1
•Sending and Receiving
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How can we work together to keep a ball moving back and forth?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate feeding skills for partner play
- To participate in simple rally sequences with a partner
- To demonstrate ball control and movement skills in cooperative activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully feed a ball to their partner using appropriate throwing technique
- Students will engage in basic rally play counting successful exchanges
- Students will demonstrate movement towards the ball and controlled returning skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distributed in equipment baskets around hall perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties
Size-appropriate racquets available in three sizes
Alternative: Paddle bats, large spoons for balance activities
Inflated to medium firmness for slower movement
Alternative: Large soft balls for students with fine motor difficulties
Set at 30cm height across width of hall
Alternative: Rows of cones, rope at low height
Used to create boundaries and low nets
Alternative: Bean bags, spot markers
Key Vocabulary
Hitting or returning the ball back and forth between players
Sending the ball accurately to your partner so they can return it successfully
When the ball hits the ground once before being caught or hit
The line or area we are trying to reach or aim towards
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of bounce patterns
- Simple partner cooperation activities
Current Skills
- Accurate feeding technique for partner play
- Rally counting and cooperative scoring
- Movement to intercept and return balls
Next Steps
- Introduction of simple net games
- More complex rally patterns and rules
- Basic serving and receiving techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Feeding accuracy is more important than power - gentle throws help partners succeed
- Rally success depends on both partners working together cooperatively
- Moving feet to get into position is essential for successful catching and hitting
- Counting together keeps partners focused on shared goals rather than competition
- Progression from catching to hitting develops confidence and skill gradually
- Encouragement and patience create positive learning environment for all abilities
- Safety through controlled movements and appropriate spacing between pairs
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking rallies are about winning rather than cooperation - emphasise working together
- Believing harder throws/hits are better - demonstrate how gentle accuracy works better
- Expecting immediate success with hitting skills - show progression from catching first
- Focusing only on own performance - highlight importance of helping partner succeed
- Assuming rallies must be competitive - reinforce cooperative scoring and shared success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified throwing technique, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of ball placement, tactile boundaries with rope
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for counting, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated rallying options, larger balls, adapted throwing distances, peer support
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with rally terms, communication skills during partner discussions
Maths
Counting rally exchanges, comparing scores between attempts, simple addition of successful catches
Science
Understanding bounce patterns and ball physics, forces involved in throwing and catching
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, patience and encouragement, dealing with challenge and frustration
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of hall to observe maximum number of pairs, move closer for individual support
Observation Focus
Watch feeding accuracy, movement to ball, cooperation quality, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
["Step in when students become frustrated with poor feeding", "Support pairs struggling with coordination or cooperation", "Challenge advanced students with appropriate extensions"]
Demonstration Notes
Use teaching assistant or confident student for partner demonstrations, emphasise cooperation over competition
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle feeds help your partner succeed!'
- •'Move your feet to get behind the ball!'
- •'Count together - teamwork makes it work!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space, clear of overhead obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip indoor surface, free from water or debris, adequate ventilation
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Ensure racquets are appropriate size with secure strings
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Test bench stability before use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Trips and falls while moving to catch balls
- •Collisions between pairs in adjacent spaces
- •Racquet contact between students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing of 4+ metres between pairs
- •Emphasis on controlled, gentle techniques
- •Proper warm-up and gradual skill progression
- •Clear boundaries and activity zones
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all pairs simultaneously
- •Monitor student frustration levels and provide support
- •Watch for unsafe throwing or hitting techniques
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, apply appropriate first aid, report as required