Lesson 6 - Sending Into Space
Ball Skills & Teamwork
•Year 1
•Sending and Receiving
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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
Distributed at each playing station
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags
Placed as nets across centre of each playing area
Alternative: Skipping ropes, cones with rope, low nets
Set up in crossing pattern for warm-up activity
Alternative: Markers, cones, chalk circles
Mark rectangular playing areas approximately 6m x 4m
Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope
Key Vocabulary
Areas of the court where your opponent is not standing
Sending the ball to your partner or over the net using an underarm action
To take advantage of gaps or weaknesses in your opponent's position
The person who catches or returns the ball
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
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