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Lesson 6 - Throwing and Catching Skills

Ball Control Basics

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Year 2

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to become skilled at sending and receiving balls?

Learning Objectives

To develop coordination and technique when throwing and catching
To improve accuracy when throwing to targets and partners
To track moving balls and catch them with control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate coordinated throwing using opposite foot placement
Students will catch balls using two hands with improved success rate
Students will work cooperatively in pairs and groups to complete throwing and catching challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed around area perimeter and for activity markers

Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags as markers

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Initially placed on cones for warm-up activity

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for support

Balls

8 (optional for extension)

Available for students who need additional support

Alternative: Soft fabric balls, sponge balls

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing action where the arm moves in an upward arc from below shoulder level

Opposition

Placing the opposite foot forward to your throwing arm for balance and power

Tracking

Following the path of the ball with your eyes and body to position for catching

Ready position

Balanced stance with hands prepared to catch, eyes focused on ball

Two-handed catch

Using both hands together to secure the ball safely

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and rolling skills
Understanding of personal space and moving safely
Simple underarm throwing action

Current Skills

Coordinated underarm throwing with opposition
Two-handed catching technique
Ball tracking and movement skills

Next Steps

Overarm throwing techniques
One-handed catching skills
Game application in modified sports

Milestone Indicators

Consistent opposite foot placement when throwing

Successful completion of 4+ consecutive catches with partner

Demonstrates readiness position before catching

Key Teaching Points

Opposition - opposite foot forward when throwing provides balance and power
Two hands for catching creates larger, more secure catching area
Eyes track the ball throughout its flight path for successful catches
Communication with partners prevents collisions and improves success
Progressive difficulty builds confidence and competence
Perseverance and practice lead to improvement in all students
Safe ball collection technique prevents injuries during activities

Common Misconceptions

Same foot as throwing arm forward - correct with clear opposition demonstration
One hand catching is better - explain security and success rate with two hands
Looking away from ball too early - emphasise continuous visual tracking
Throwing too hard equals throwing better - demonstrate control and accuracy focus
Competition is about winning - redirect focus to skill development and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between skills

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls or balls with bells, provide verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance and safety

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching variations, modified distances, use of catching aids or larger equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary, communicating effectively with partners

Maths

Counting catches and passes, measuring throwing distances, understanding geometric shapes in formations

Science

Forces in throwing, gravity affecting ball flight, hand-eye coordination and reaction times

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, perseverance when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position at corner during circle time for optimal visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct opposition in throwing, two-handed catching technique, safe movement, and positive cooperation

Intervention Points

["Step in when technique breaks down significantly", "Intervene if unsafe practices develop", "Support students showing frustration or lack of success", "Redirect focus when attention wanes"]

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all skills clearly with exaggerated movements, use student helpers to show good technique, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Two hands like a basket!'
•'Watch the ball with your eyes!'
•'Point your fingers where you want the ball to go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor or outdoor space, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not too hard or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bean bags (if used) are securely sewn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during running games
•Equipment trips and falls

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe throwing directions
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups and activities
•Teach proper ball collection technique (bend knees, stand before moving)
•Progressive skill building from individual to partner to group work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during running games
•Watch for fatigue that may increase injury risk
•Ensure proper technique is maintained throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed, inform school leadership