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Big Question

How can we work as a team to keep possession of the ball using accurate passing and receiving?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop chest pass technique with stepping and pushing motion
  • To understand the importance of accurate passing for keeping possession
  • To improve receiving skills by creating a target and being ready

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved chest pass technique
  • Students will show understanding of how accurate passing helps keep possession
  • Students will work cooperatively to complete passing sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Pre-positioned around activity area perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Large playground balls, rugby balls, or size 3 footballs

Markers
25-30 markers

Spread randomly across activity area, approximately 3-4 metres apart

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or painted spots on playground

Cones
20 cones (10 pairs)

Set up gates 2 metres wide, scattered throughout area

Alternative: Tall cones, plastic bottles, or chalk lines

Coloured Cones
8-10 cones

Use contrasting colour to markers, positioned as obstacles

Alternative: Different shaped objects, coloured bean bags, or chalk X marks

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

Passing the ball by pushing it from chest level with both hands

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Target

The person or area you aim for when passing

Space

An empty area where there are no other players

Accurate

Passing the ball exactly where you want it to go

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and control with hands
  • Simple rolling and bouncing skills
  • Understanding of personal space and movement

Current Skills

  • Chest pass technique with correct body position
  • Accurate passing to maintain possession
  • Reading the game to find space for passing
  • Cooperative teamwork in game situations

Next Steps

  • Passing under pressure from active defenders
  • More complex passing patterns and sequences
  • Transition from attack to defence scenarios
  • Introduction of catching and throwing variations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent stepping into chest pass
2
Accurate passes reaching intended target 7/10 times
3
Automatic movement to space after passing
4
Effective communication with team members during games

Key Teaching Points

  • Chest pass technique: ball at chest, step forward, push with both hands, thumbs down
  • Accuracy over power - gentle passes reach target better than hard throws
  • Look before passing - check your target is ready and path is clear
  • Move after passing - find new space to help your team keep possession
  • Be ready to receive - create a target with your hands at chest level
  • Support your teammates - encourage good passes and help with mistakes
  • Game understanding - keeping possession means keeping the ball with your team

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking harder passes are better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
  • Not understanding why stepping helps - explain it gives direction and gentle power
  • Believing you must catch every pass - teach when to let difficult passes go safely
  • Confusion between different types of passes - focus on chest pass as foundation skill
  • Not recognising the importance of the receiver's role - emphasise partnership in passing
  • Thinking games are just about winning - highlight skill development and teamwork
  • Assuming all passes must be the same distance - show adaptation to different situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, physical guidance when needed
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet break space available, consistent language and instructions
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use audio cues for passing timing
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on cards, use hand signals for game communication, position near teacher for lip reading
physical disability
  • Seated versions using wheelchair or chair, modified equipment like larger lighter balls, adapted distances, peer support for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances between markers, angles for passing direction, basic statistics of team performance

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between ball and hands, body mechanics during stepping action

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around activity area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during challenges, celebrating others' success, resilience when facing difficulties

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around area to observe all students, position at corners for optimal visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct chest pass technique, note students struggling with accuracy, monitor team dynamics and cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down significantly, support students showing frustration, facilitate positive team interactions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate chest pass technique from side view and front view, exaggerate stepping action for visibility, use students as positive examples during activities

Verbal Cues
  • 'Step and push!' for chest pass reminder
  • 'Find space!' when students cluster together
  • 'Help your teammate!' to encourage cooperation
  • 'Look first!' before passing in games

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles, marked boundaries visible

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for movement and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Balls appropriate size and weight for Year 2 students
  • Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Equipment positioned safely away from activity boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball impacts to face or body
  • Collisions between students during movement
  • Slips and falls during passing activities
  • Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear instruction on gentle passing - no hard throws
  • Adequate spacing between pairs and teams during activities
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
  • Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
  • Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
  • Monitor high-activity areas where multiple teams are playing
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration in students
  • Ensure safety rules are consistently followed
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed