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Lesson 1 - Rolling and Target Practice

Striking Fundamentals

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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Big Question

How can we roll a ball accurately to hit targets and help our team?

Learning Objectives

To be able to roll a ball towards a target with accuracy
To develop hand-eye coordination through rolling and catching
To understand the importance of balance when releasing a ball

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct rolling technique with stepping forward
Students will successfully roll a ball through targets from various distances
Students will work cooperatively in pairs and small teams

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distribute around area perimeter and for creating gates

Alternative: Plastic cups, bean bags, or playground markers

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Initially placed on cones around the area

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for beginners

Balls

Available for differentiation

Alternative: Larger soft balls for students needing support

Key Vocabulary

Rolling

Sending a ball along the ground towards a target using an underarm action

Target

Something we aim at, like cones or gates between cones

Opposite foot

The foot that is different from your rolling hand - helps with balance

Accuracy

How close the ball goes to where you wanted it to go

Balance

Keeping steady and not falling over when moving or rolling

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching movements
Understanding of safe movement in space
Basic concept of targets and aiming

Current Skills

Rolling technique with stepping forward
Accurate targeting with hand pointing
Ball control and stopping techniques

Next Steps

Rolling at moving targets
Underarm bowling techniques
Basic striking skills development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent step-forward action when rolling

Ball travels in straight line towards target

Appropriate force applied for distance

Key Teaching Points

Point your throwing hand directly at the target throughout the rolling action
Step forward with the foot opposite to your rolling hand for better balance
Release the ball low to the ground to ensure smooth rolling rather than bouncing
Keep your eyes on the target from start to finish of the rolling action
Use controlled force - adjust power based on distance to target
Follow through with pointing hand after release for improved accuracy
Work cooperatively with partners, giving positive and helpful feedback

Common Misconceptions

Students think stepping with same foot as rolling hand is correct - demonstrate balance difference
Many students release ball too high causing bouncing - emphasise 'low and slow' release
Some students stop looking at target during roll - reinforce 'watch your target' throughout
Students may think harder rolling is always better - teach force adjustment for different distances
Some students give up after missing targets - emphasise practice and improvement over immediate success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear predictable routines, visual schedule displayed, quiet break zones available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of targets, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on display, hand signals for game rules, visual timer for activities

physical disability

Seated rolling positions available, adapted balls (larger/softer), modified distances, alternative targeting methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful rolls, measuring distances with steps, understanding spatial concepts like 'opposite'

Science

Forces and motion when rolling balls, understanding why balls slow down, effects of surface on rolling

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, understanding terms like 'towards', 'away from', 'between'

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions during games, showing respect for others' efforts

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for clear visibility of all students, move around during partner work to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for rolling technique development, partner cooperation, and safety awareness during all activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe behaviour, or negative interactions with partners

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate: Exaggerated pointing action, clear opposite foot step, low ball release, positive interaction with students

Verbal Cues

•'Point at your target!'
•'Step forward with opposite foot!'
•'Low and slow release!'
•'Watch the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for rolling balls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify all equipment is age-appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls when retrieving balls
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Adequate spacing between students during activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movement throughout
•Proper demonstration of safe catching technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor spacing during movement activities
•Watch for students showing unsafe behaviour
•Be alert during ball collection and equipment changes

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, complete accident report if necessary