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Lesson 6 - Sending Into Space

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 use space on the court to make it harder for our opponents to catch the ball?

Learning Objectives

Recognise space to send the ball to beat your opponent
Throw or feed into space to outwit your opponents
Play in games with a partner against others to score points hitting over benches

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to identify and use space effectively when sending balls
Students will demonstrate accurate underarm throwing technique
Students will work cooperatively with a partner in competitive games

Equipment & Resources Required

Game Balls

1 per pair (15)

Distributed at each playing station

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags

Benches

1 per pair (15)

Placed as nets across centre of each playing area

Alternative: Skipping ropes, cones with rope, low nets

Hoops

3 per child for warm-up (90 total)

Set up in crossing pattern for warm-up activity

Alternative: Markers, cones, chalk circles

Sun Markers

4 per playing area (60 total)

Mark rectangular playing areas approximately 6m x 4m

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope

Key Vocabulary

Space

Areas of the court where your opponent is not standing

Feeding

Sending the ball to your partner or over the net using an underarm action

Exploit

To take advantage of gaps or weaknesses in your opponent's position

Receiver

The person who catches or returns the ball

Boundaries

The lines that mark the edges of the playing area

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Catching balls after one bounce
Understanding of simple game rules

Current Skills

Sending balls into space tactically
Working cooperatively in competitive situations
Adapting technique for accuracy

Next Steps

Using racquets for sending and receiving
More complex tactical play
Introduction to formal net games

Milestone Indicators

Student can consistently send ball to unoccupied space

Student demonstrates good spatial awareness

Student shows effective teamwork with partner

Key Teaching Points

Space recognition is key - always look for where opponents are NOT standing
Underarm feeding action provides better accuracy and control than overarm
Working with your partner means communicating and not getting in each other's way
Follow through with your hand when sending to improve accuracy
Good sportsmanship makes games more fun for everyone
Return to centre position quickly after each play to be ready for the next ball
Use variety in your sending - short, long, left, right to keep opponents guessing

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you should always throw directly to your partner instead of exploiting space
Using overarm throwing because it looks more powerful - explain underarm gives better control
Believing that hitting the ball harder will always win points - accuracy and placement are more important
Not understanding that working with a partner means planning together, not just playing side by side
Thinking that the game is just about throwing and catching - emphasise tactical elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, pair with supportive partner

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule, establish consistent routines, offer quiet break area if needed, use social stories for game rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for space location, pair with sighted buddy for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instructions on display boards

physical disability

Modify throwing to seated position if needed, use larger/slower balls, reduce court size, allow rolling instead of throwing

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring distances for court setup, understanding spatial relationships and geometry through court positioning

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, gravity affecting ball bounce, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Directional language (forward, backward, left, right), mapping movement patterns, understanding spatial awareness

PSHE

Working cooperatively with partners, showing respect for opponents, managing emotions in competitive situations, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity area to observe all pairs, position near benches during game activities for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for spatial awareness, underarm technique, partner cooperation, and safety around equipment

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with space concept, unsafe play around benches, or poor sportsmanship

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show space recognition, clear underarm action, good sportsmanship examples

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the space!'
•'Underarm throwing only!'
•'Work together with your partner!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 30m for all activities

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Benches stable and appropriate height for Year 1
•Sponge balls soft and safe for throwing activities
•Hoops flat on ground with no raised edges
•Boundary markers secure and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions when moving to catch balls
•Tripping over benches or hoops
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Falls when changing direction quickly

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between playing areas
•Adequate spacing between pairs during activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Soft balls used throughout lesson
•Clear rules about safe play around benches

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of activities
•Monitor bench areas for safe play
•Watch for over-competitive behaviour
•Ensure adequate rest periods during intense activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed