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Lesson 2 - Track and Return

Striking & Fielding Fundamentals

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can we become ball detectives and always catch the moving ball?

Learning Objectives

Students will develop tracking skills to collect a moving ball from along the ground
Students will demonstrate accuracy when returning a ball back to base/zone using rolls and throws
Students will understand the strategy of overtaking the ball when retrieving

Key Outcomes

All students will track and attempt to collect slow-moving balls
Most students will successfully return balls using underarm throwing technique
Some students will consistently overtake the ball when tracking and demonstrate tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for students with catching difficulties

Cones

15-20

Mark channels 3 metres wide, 10 metres long

Alternative: Marker spots, playground chalk lines

Bibs

10 (different colours)

For identifying teams in group activities

Alternative: Team captains wear different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Track

Following the path of the ball with your eyes and body movement

Overtake

Moving faster than the ball to get in front of it and stop it

Intercept

Getting in the way of the ball to stop it reaching its target

Retrieve

Collecting and bringing back a ball that has been hit or thrown away

Base

The starting point or safe area where you return the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling from Lesson 1
Understanding of underarm throwing technique
Awareness of personal space and movement

Current Skills

Tracking moving balls effectively
Ball retrieval using overtaking strategy
Accurate returning to base/target

Next Steps

Catching balls at different heights
Running to field balls in game situations
Team tactical awareness in batting and fielding

Milestone Indicators

Student moves directly towards ball's path rather than where it is

Student uses two hands to secure ball collection

Student demonstrates smooth transition from collecting to returning

Key Teaching Points

Overtaking the ball is more effective than chasing behind it
Always use two hands to collect balls safely and securely
Track the ball with your eyes from the moment it's released
Communication with partners improves success and safety
Controlled movement is better than maximum speed
Spatial awareness prevents collisions and creates opportunities
Practice leads to improvement - celebrate all efforts

Common Misconceptions

Students think running faster always means better performance - emphasise control over speed
Many believe chasing the ball is the only way - demonstrate overtaking advantages clearly
Some students think one-handed collection is acceptable - consistently reinforce two-handed technique
Students may think harder rolling makes them better - explain accuracy and control are more important
Students might believe they can't improve quickly - highlight progress and effort over natural ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time, use verbal cues for movement patterns, provide larger targets and equipment

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball location, assign sighted buddy for safety

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face

physical disability

Adapt to seated or modified standing positions, use larger/lighter balls, reduce movement distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Estimating ball speed and distance, counting successful attempts, measuring channel distances

Science

Understanding forces and motion, friction affecting ball movement, reaction time concepts

Geography

Directional language (forwards, backwards, left, right), spatial awareness and mapping movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing frustration, celebrating others' success, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand centrally to observe all groups, move around to provide individual feedback during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct tracking technique, safe spatial awareness, and positive group cooperation

Intervention Points

["Step in if students are chasing rather than overtaking consistently", "Intervene if any unsafe speeds or movements observed", "Support groups struggling with rotation or cooperation"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show key techniques, demonstrate common mistakes for correction, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Get ahead of it!'
•'Two hands ready!'
•'Smooth and controlled!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m flat area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate ball storage when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during ball chasing
•Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes to head or body during activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear channel boundaries to separate groups
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all channel activities simultaneously
•Move around area to provide close monitoring of technique
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required