Lesson 1 - Ball Control After Bounce
Progressive Cricket Play
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our eyes and hands together to catch a bouncing ball safely?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to catch a ball after one bounce with increasing control
- To understand when and how to move safely in shared spaces during ball activities
- To begin striking a ball from a tee with basic technique
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to catch a ball after one bounce using two hands
- Students will demonstrate safe movement in designated areas during ball games
- Students will show understanding of basic striking technique from a stationary position
Equipment & Resources Required
Medium-sized, soft rubber balls that bounce consistently
Alternative: Bean bags for students who struggle with bouncing balls
Scatter around area for Dishes and Domes activity
Alternative: Foam shapes or bean bags
Mark boundaries and positions
Alternative: Chalk marks or small cones
Large hoops for 'Fill your House' game
Alternative: Rope circles or marked areas
For partner throwing activities
Alternative: Soft-touch balls for beginners
Adjustable height for different student needs
Alternative: Cones or make-shift stands
Key Vocabulary
When a ball hits the ground and comes back up
Following the ball with your eyes as it moves
Standing with knees slightly bent, hands out, ready to catch
Using both hands together to catch the ball safely
Hitting the ball with a bat or hand to send it away
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can roll and collect a large ball
- Students understand basic safety rules in PE
- Students can follow simple instructions and take turns
Current Skills
- Catching a ball after one bounce using correct hand position
- Bouncing and moving with a ball safely in shared space
- Basic striking technique from a tee
Next Steps
- Catching balls with one hand after bounce
- Throwing accurately for partner to catch after bounce
- Striking moving balls and running between bases
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Keep eyes on the ball throughout the entire flight path from bounce to catch
- Ready position with knees bent and hands prepared before ball arrives
- Gentle underarm throwing technique for partner activities
- Safe movement in shared spaces - awareness of others
- Positive encouragement and good sportsmanship in games
- Two-handed catching for security before progressing to one-handed attempts
- Bounce control - gentle push with palm, not slapping motion
Common Misconceptions
- Students think harder bounces are better - emphasise control over power
- Belief that catching with one hand is always better - teach two-handed security first
- Misconception that speed equals success - emphasise accuracy and control
- Thinking that dropped balls mean failure - frame as learning opportunities
- Assumption that competition means individual success only - teach team cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Slower-paced demonstrations, additional practice time, larger targets, break complex skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet break space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball location, assign sighted partner for support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, ensure student can see instructions clearly
physical disability
- Larger balls for easier handling, seated catching positions if needed, modified throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces - how hard to push for different bounces, gravity affecting ball flight
PSHE
Cooperation, turn-taking, resilience when activities are challenging, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility, move between students during partner activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, safe movement patterns, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe movement patterns develop, if students become frustrated with difficulty, or if competitive activities become too intense
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for demonstrations. Involve confident students as helpers when appropriate. Show both correct technique and common mistakes for clarity.
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Soft hands like catching an egg!'
- •'Bounce ahead of yourself!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor hardcourt area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, even ground, appropriate footwear for surface type
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are correctly inflated and have no cracks
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Hoops are intact with no breaks that could cause injury
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Trips and falls when chasing balls
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students and pairs
- •Teach proper ball handling to avoid hard throws
- •Emphasise controlled movement over speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Pay particular attention during Cat and Mouse activity
- •Monitor game activities for overcompetitive behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, administer appropriate first aid, contact office if required