Lesson 1 - Rolling and Target Practice
Striking Fundamentals
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute around area perimeter and for creating gates
Alternative: Plastic cups, bean bags, or playground markers
Initially placed on cones around the area
Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for beginners
Available for differentiation
Alternative: Larger soft balls for students needing support
Key Vocabulary
Sending a ball along the ground towards a target using an underarm action
Something we aim at, like cones or gates between cones
The foot that is different from your rolling hand - helps with balance
How close the ball goes to where you wanted it to go
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
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