Lesson 1 - Feeding and Returning Over a Net
Sending & Receiving Challenges
•Year 1
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we send objects accurately to make it challenging yet fair for our partners to return them?
Learning Objectives
- Attempt to send a ball that can be returned by others consistently over a net
- Feed a beanbag or ball into space to make it difficult for your opponent to return
- Work with a partner to track balls and return them over the net
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent underarm feeding technique over a net
- Students will show tactical awareness by sending objects into space
- Students will work cooperatively with partners to maintain rallies
Equipment & Resources Required
One ball per pair for skill development, multiple balls for games
Alternative: Non-sting volleyballs, foam balls, or playground balls
Different colours if possible to aid tracking
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls in socks
Height approximately 0.5-0.8m, stable and safe
Alternative: Rope between posts, tape lines, cones with bands
Clear boundaries for each playing area
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, spots
Key Vocabulary
Sending the ball or beanbag over the net to start play
Balanced stance with knees bent, facing the net, ready to move
The back line of your playing area where you start from
The hand you write with and feel most comfortable using
Watching the ball carefully and moving to where it will land
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
- Simple feeding activities to self and others
Current Skills
- Underarm feeding technique over a net
- Tracking and collecting moving objects
- Basic tactical awareness of space
Next Steps
- More complex net games with scoring
- Introduction of different equipment and techniques
- Development of consistent rally skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Feeding is cooperative - aim to challenge your partner fairly, not to beat them
- Opposite foot forward when feeding creates better balance and accuracy
- High arc trajectory ensures ball clears the net consistently
- Ready position between each shot helps with quick movement and balance
- Tactical feeding into space makes games more interesting and develops thinking skills
- Communication with partners is essential for successful team play
- Progressive skill building - master basic feeding before adding game pressure
Common Misconceptions
- Feeding means throwing as hard as possible - actually it's about controlled, accurate placement
- The goal is to make shots impossible to return - actually it's about fair challenge
- You must return the ball immediately - actually multiple bounces are allowed for skill development
- Winning is most important - actually skill development and cooperation are the priorities
- Same foot forward when throwing feels natural - actually opposite foot gives better balance and power
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with breaks, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, slower progression of skills, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear predictable routines, visual activity schedule, quiet zones available, advanced warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and beanbags, provide verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for court navigation, tactile court boundary markers
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game flow, ensure students can see teacher at all times
physical disability
- Seated feeding variations, modified court sizes, use of ramps or adapted equipment, partner assistance for movement
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, communication with partners
Maths
Measuring court dimensions, counting scores and rallies, understanding geometric shapes of playing areas
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, understanding of arc paths, body movements and balance
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around courts
PSHE
Cooperation and partnership skills, managing competitive emotions, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe all groups, position at corners for wide visibility, close observation during skill demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct feeding technique, safe movement patterns, cooperative play, understanding of tactical concepts
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic technique, address safety concerns immediately, support pairs having difficulty cooperating
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for feeding technique, involve students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect examples for contrast
Verbal Cues
- •'High arc over the net!'
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Feed into space, but be fair!'
- •'Ready position between each shot!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple small courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Ensure benches/nets are stable and appropriate height
- •Verify beanbags are intact with no loose filling
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students in adjacent courts
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body during feeding practice
- •Injuries from unstable benches or nets
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between activity areas
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on controlled movements throughout
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Ensure benches remain stable during activity
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact school medical personnel if needed