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Lesson 2 - Punting with Accuracy

Accuracy & Sending Skills

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Year 1

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can I punt a balloon ball accurately so my friends can catch it every time?

Learning Objectives

To coordinate the punting action using either foot with increasing control
To punt a balloon ball with accuracy enabling successful catching by partners
To understand and demonstrate the ready position for catching punted balls

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate punting technique with both feet showing basic coordination
Students will successfully punt to enable partner catches in at least 2 out of 3 attempts
Students will explain what success looks like for themselves and others

Equipment & Resources Required

Balloon Balls

1 per child (30)

Store in equipment bag at activity area perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls, playground balls (slightly deflated for easier catching)

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around activity area for partner work

Alternative: Large cones, chalk circles on ground

Cones

Mark boundaries, target areas, and lanes for activities

Alternative: Plastic bottles filled with sand, chalk lines

Balls

Placed in hoops at far end of gauntlet game area

Alternative: Tennis balls, small soft toys

Shuttles

Set up in centre area between two teams

Alternative: Plastic bottles, stacking cones, cardboard tubes

Key Vocabulary

Punting

Kicking a ball that you drop from your hands before it touches the ground

Ready Position

Standing with knees bent, arms ready, eyes watching, prepared to move quickly

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you aim, so your partner can catch the ball easily

Laces

The hard part of your shoe where the shoelaces are - the best part for kicking

Coordination

Making different parts of your body work together smoothly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic kicking skills from Foundation Stage
Understanding of personal space and boundaries
Experience of catching large, soft objects

Current Skills

Coordinated punting action with either foot
Accurate punting for successful partner catching
Ready position for catching punted balls

Next Steps

Punting under pressure in game situations
Strategic placement of punts for tactical advantage
Advanced catching techniques in dynamic situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with balloon using either foot

Partner successfully catches 2+ punts out of 3 attempts

Demonstrates ready position without prompting

Key Teaching Points

Hold ball to side of kicking foot, not in front of body
Drop ball gently, don't throw it down hard
Strike with laces (top of foot) for best control and accuracy
Keep head over ball when kicking for direction
Ready position: knees bent, arms balanced, eyes watching
Practice with both feet to develop overall coordination
Gentle punts are better than hard punts for partner catching

Common Misconceptions

Children think harder punts are always better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
Belief that only dominant foot should be used - encourage both feet development
Assumption that ball should be held in front - teach side positioning for better technique
Thinking success means never missing - focus on improvement and effort over perfection
Misunderstanding ready position as just standing still - emphasise active, alert positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedules for activities, quiet zones available, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balloon balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules, visual cues for transitions

physical disability

Seated punting variations, modified distances, use of ramps or aids for ball release, alternative target sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive language for techniques, listening skills during number calling games, vocabulary development

Science

Understanding forces in punting, gravity's effect on balloon ball flight, body mechanics of kicking action, balance and coordination concepts

Mathematics

Counting successful catches out of attempts, calculating accuracy percentages, measuring distances for challenges, timing activities with stopwatches

PSHE

Cooperation and turn-taking, resilience when facing challenges, honest self-assessment, celebrating others' achievements, teamwork and communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at edge of activity area for full visibility, move actively between groups during practice, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper punting technique, safe spacing between children, cooperation and turn-taking, signs of fatigue or frustration

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, provide individual technique support, mediate partnership conflicts, adjust activities for struggling learners

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Exaggerate key points like ball position and foot contact. Use children as models when they show good technique. Face children when demonstrating so all can see clearly.

Verbal Cues

•'Hold the ball to the side, not in front'
•'Drop and kick, don't throw down'
•'Use your laces, the hard part of your foot'
•'Ready position - knees bent, eyes watching'
•'Gentle punts for easy catching'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor playground area, minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, even flooring, free from water/debris, adequate grip for safe movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balloon balls are properly inflated and not over-stretched
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are intact with smooth edges
•Bean bags checked for secure stitching

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during group activities
•Slips and falls during running activities
•Eye injuries from balloon balls
•Overexertion during active games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with visible markers
•Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Controlled punting force appropriate for age group
•Regular safety reminders throughout activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all children
•Circulate actively during partner and group work
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, ensure other children remain safe and supervised