Lesson 6 - Partner Games and Body Positioning
Sending & Receiving Challenges
•Year 1
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can working together with a partner help us win against other teams?
Learning Objectives
- Use sending and receiving skills in challenging game situations with a partner
- Demonstrate correct body positioning when moving to return a ball
- Play cooperatively in competitive partner games
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully position themselves behind the ball to make effective returns
- Students will work effectively with a partner in competitive games
- Students will demonstrate improved decision-making under game pressure
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are properly inflated for good bounce
Alternative: Non-sting volleyballs, playground balls
Height should be approximately 60cm for Year 1
Alternative: Cones with rope, PE department nets on lowest setting
Mark 3m wide x 6m deep courts with clear boundaries
Alternative: Spots, chalk lines on hard surface
Simple scoring sheets students can manage independently
Alternative: Whiteboard markers and mini whiteboards
For timing game rotations and activities
Alternative: Classroom timer, phone timer app
Key Vocabulary
Moving your body to the best place to receive or send the ball
Sending the ball back over the net to the opponents
The person you work together with in your team
Playing against other teams to see who can score the most points
How you hold and move your body to be ready for action
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic sending skills with hands
- Simple catching and throwing techniques
- Understanding of taking turns in activities
Current Skills
- Body positioning behind the ball for returns
- Partner cooperation in competitive games
- Tactical decision-making under pressure
Next Steps
- More complex game formats with multiple opponents
- Introduction of equipment like rackets
- Advanced tactical play and positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always move feet to position behind the ball rather than reaching
- Ready position has one foot forward, knees bent, leaning slightly forward
- Partner cooperation is essential for game success and learning
- Positioning skills transfer to many other ball games and sports
- Fair play and honest scoring develops character and sportsmanship
- Progressive skill building from practice to pressure situations
- Celebrate effort and improvement over winning and losing
Common Misconceptions
- Reaching for balls instead of moving feet - demonstrate the difference clearly
- Standing upright instead of ready position - use 'invisible chair' analogy
- Competing against partner instead of cooperating - emphasise team success
- Focusing only on power instead of placement - show control beats force
- Giving up when skills are difficult - praise effort and small improvements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, regular movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls, reduce court size, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet spaces available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for court navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards
physical disability
- Adapt courts for wheelchair access, use lighter balls, modify nets to appropriate height
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for body positions
Maths
Counting points and calculating final scores, measuring court distances
Science
Understanding forces when hitting balls, body movement and balance
PSHE
Cooperation, fair play, managing emotions in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all courts, move between courts during games to provide close coaching
Observation Focus
Watch for correct positioning technique, partner cooperation, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in for positioning technique, rules clarification, or partner cooperation issues
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from side view for positioning, use student volunteers to show partner cooperation
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick feet behind the ball!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor hard surface, minimum 15m x 20m for 4 courts
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Ensure benches/nets are stable and at appropriate height
- •Verify boundary markers are visible and won't cause trips
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students moving to position
- •Trips over court boundaries or equipment
- •Ball strikes to face or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries with adequate safety margins
- •Supervised games with fair play emphasis
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
- •Appropriate ball types for age group
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all courts simultaneously
- •Move between courts during games for close supervision
- •Monitor high-activity areas around court boundaries
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed