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Lesson 1 - Ball Control After Bounce

Progressive Cricket Play

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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59 min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

1 per student (30)

Medium-sized, soft rubber balls that bounce consistently

Alternative: Bean bags for students who struggle with bouncing balls

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Scatter around area for Dishes and Domes activity

Alternative: Foam shapes or bean bags

Mats

Mark boundaries and positions

Alternative: Chalk marks or small cones

Hoops

Large hoops for 'Fill your House' game

Alternative: Rope circles or marked areas

Tennis Balls

15 pairs

For partner throwing activities

Alternative: Soft-touch balls for beginners

Plastic Tee

Adjustable height for different student needs

Alternative: Cones or make-shift stands

Key Vocabulary

Bounce

When a ball hits the ground and comes back up

Track

Following the ball with your eyes as it moves

Ready position

Standing with knees slightly bent, hands out, ready to catch

Two-handed catch

Using both hands together to catch the ball safely

Strike

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

Eyes track the ball from bounce to catch

Hands are positioned ready before ball arrives

Can work cooperatively with a partner during ball activities

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