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Lesson 5 - Rally Skills and Ball Control

Ball Skills & Teamwork

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Year 1

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Sending and Receiving

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed in equipment baskets around hall perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Size-appropriate racquets available in three sizes

Alternative: Paddle bats, large spoons for balance activities

Balloons

1 per pair (15)

Inflated to medium firmness for slower movement

Alternative: Large soft balls for students with fine motor difficulties

Benches

7 benches

Set at 30cm height across width of hall

Alternative: Rows of cones, rope at low height

Cones

20 cones

Used to create boundaries and low nets

Alternative: Bean bags, spot markers

Key Vocabulary

Rally

Hitting or returning the ball back and forth between players

Feeding

Sending the ball accurately to your partner so they can return it successfully

First bounce

When the ball hits the ground once before being caught or hit

Target line

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

Consistent accurate feeding within 2-metre range

Sustained rallies of 5+ exchanges

Smooth movement and positioning for ball return

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