Lesson 8 - Coordination in Ball Skills
Ball Control Basics
•Year 2
•Ball Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use different parts of my body to control a ball effectively in various situations?
Learning Objectives
- To show co-ordination and control in a variety of ball skills
- To work effectively with a partner when using ball skills
- To demonstrate understanding of how to control a ball with different parts of the body
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply different ball skills in different situations with improved control
- Students will work co-operatively with partners during ball skill activities
- Students will demonstrate understanding of ball control techniques using hands and feet
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for station boundaries and target goals
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or PE spots
One per group for passing station
Alternative: Size 3 footballs or soft play footballs
Distributed across multiple stations
Alternative: Basketball-sized rubber balls or netballs
For precision rolling activities
Alternative: Foam balls or cricket balls
Key Vocabulary
Using different parts of your body together smoothly and effectively
Keeping the ball where you want it to go using gentle touches
Moving the ball along the ground using small pushes with hands or feet
Talking to your partner to help them know when you are ready
Using gentle contact with the ball to maintain control
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Simple dribbling with hands and feet
- Working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Co-ordinated ball skills using different body parts
- Control and accuracy in ball manipulation
- Effective partner work and communication
Next Steps
- More complex ball skill combinations
- Competitive ball games with rules
- Advanced passing and receiving techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Soft touches create better control than hard hits or kicks
- Ready position with hands out and eyes tracking the ball improves catching success
- Communication ('Ready!', 'Here!') helps partners work together effectively
- Different ball skills require different techniques - adapt your approach
- Encouragement and support help everyone improve their skills
- Practice and repetition lead to better coordination and control
- Working together as a team makes activities more successful and enjoyable
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Harder kicks and throws are always better' - Correction: Explain and demonstrate how gentle, controlled movements give better accuracy and control
- Misconception: 'I don't need to communicate with my partner' - Correction: Show examples of successful partnerships using clear communication vs. silent partnerships
- Misconception: 'I should look down at the ball all the time' - Correction: Practice looking up while maintaining control, explain spatial awareness benefits
- Misconception: 'Different balls all work the same way' - Correction: Compare how tennis balls, footballs, and playground balls require different techniques
- Misconception: 'I can't help others because I'm still learning' - Correction: Show how encouragement and support help everyone, regardless of skill level
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls, allow more practice time, break skills into smaller steps, provide hand-over-hand guidance if needed, celebrate effort over outcome
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow sensory breaks if needed, use consistent routines, offer quiet alternative space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy, use textured balls for better grip awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards at stations, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify activities for wheelchair users (seated catches, rolling instead of bouncing), use lighter balls, reduce distances, provide alternative success criteria
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive language for techniques, communication and listening skills with partners
Maths
Counting successful catches, measuring distances between cones, timing activities (10 seconds), spatial awareness and positioning
Science
Forces and motion in ball movement, gravity affecting ball bounce, friction between ball and surface, body coordination and balance
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, supporting and encouraging others, building confidence and resilience, celebrating achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, rotating between stations during carousel, edge of circle during group activities for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Look for: soft touches in ball control, ready position for catching, communication between partners, safe movement around equipment
Intervention Points
Step in when: technique is unsafe, students are struggling with cooperation, equipment is being misused, or learning objectives are not being met
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students to demonstrate good examples. Show common mistakes and how to correct them. Make eye contact with all students during demonstrations.
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft touches, keep it close!'
- •'Ready position - hands out, eyes on the ball!'
- •'Communicate - let your partner know you're ready!'
- •'Great control! I can see you're really thinking about your technique!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor playground area, minimum 20m x 15m for 30 students
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or hazards, suitable for running and ball activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate grip on balls for safe catching
- •Count equipment at start and end of lesson
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball-related injuries from poor catching or throwing
- •Collisions during movement between stations
- •Slips and falls during dynamic activities
- •Overcrowding at stations leading to accidents
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established at each station with adequate spacing
- •Proper demonstration of all techniques before practice
- •Controlled group sizes (maximum 3 per station)
- •Clear stop signals and emergency procedures established
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all five stations during carousel
- •Move between stations regularly to monitor technique and safety
- •Watch for fatigue and adjust activity intensity accordingly
- •Ensure clear pathways between stations during rotations
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal (whistle + raised hand), assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed