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Lesson 1 - Feeding and Returning Over a Net

Sending & Receiving Challenges

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Year 1

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Sending and Receiving

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56 min

Big Question

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

Large Soft Balls

6 balls total (3 per team)

One ball per pair for skill development, multiple balls for games

Alternative: Non-sting volleyballs, foam balls, or playground balls

Balls

20 targets (10 per team)

Different colours if possible to aid tracking

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls in socks

Benches

4-6 benches

Height approximately 0.5-0.8m, stable and safe

Alternative: Rope between posts, tape lines, cones with bands

Sun Markers

20 cones or markers

Clear boundaries for each playing area

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, spots

Key Vocabulary

Feeding

Sending the ball or beanbag over the net to start play

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, facing the net, ready to move

Baseline

The back line of your playing area where you start from

Dominant hand

The hand you write with and feel most comfortable using

Tracking

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

Consistent ball contact on feeding attempts

Successful collection of 7/10 fed balls

Maintenance of 3+ hit rallies with partner

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