Lesson 6 - Throwing and Catching Skills
Ball Control Basics
•Year 2
•Ball Skills
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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
Distributed around area perimeter and for activity markers
Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags as markers
Initially placed on cones for warm-up activity
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for support
Available for students who need additional support
Alternative: Soft fabric balls, sponge balls
Key Vocabulary
Throwing action where the arm moves in an upward arc from below shoulder level
Placing the opposite foot forward to your throwing arm for balance and power
Following the path of the ball with your eyes and body to position for catching
Balanced stance with hands prepared to catch, eyes focused on ball
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
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