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Lesson 6 - Competition Games - Applying Ball Skills

Progressive Hand-Ball Skills Through Cooperative and Competitive Play

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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 throwing and catching skills to win games against opponents?

Learning Objectives

To apply throwing and catching skills in competitive game situations
To understand and demonstrate attack vs defence principles
To work collaboratively as a team member in ball games

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in mini games using underarm and overarm throwing
Students will demonstrate tactical understanding of when to throw accurately
Students will show good sportsmanship and teamwork during competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Store in buckets at edge of playing area for easy access

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for students who struggle with catching

Cones

20-25 cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility of boundaries and bases

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Markers

15-20 markers

Position clearly to mark running routes and throwing targets

Alternative: Hoops, spots, or drawn chalk circles

Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Distribute to identify teams clearly during rotation

Alternative: Coloured bands or team cards

Key Vocabulary

Underarm Throw

Throwing the ball from low to high with arm swinging below shoulder level

Overarm Throw

Throwing the ball with arm moving over the shoulder for power and distance

Fielding

The team trying to stop the batting team from scoring points

Batting

The team trying to score points by hitting or throwing the ball away from fielders

Attack vs Defence

Understanding when your team is trying to score (attack) or prevent scoring (defence)

Accuracy

Throwing 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 underarm throwing technique
Simple catching with both hands
Understanding of personal space and boundaries

Current Skills

Applying throwing skills in competitive situations
Understanding attack vs defence principles
Working as part of a team in ball games

Next Steps

More complex fielding positions and strategies
Introduction to formal game rules
Advanced tactical decision making

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throwing under pressure

Quick decision-making about where to throw

Effective communication with team members

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise accuracy over power in all throwing situations
Develop tactical understanding of when to use different techniques
Foster positive communication and teamwork throughout all games
Ensure fair play and good sportsmanship in competitive situations
Build confidence through progressive challenges and positive reinforcement

Common Misconceptions

Throwing harder always means throwing better - emphasise accuracy and control
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative success
Winning is the only measure of success - focus on effort, improvement, and fair play
Complex tactics are better than simple ones - reinforce that basic tactics done well are most effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break games into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of games, provide additional practice time, pair with supportive partner

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, allow quiet zones if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of game setup, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstrate all instructions clearly, use written game rules cards

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, allow seated participation, use larger/softer equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following complex instructions, using tactical vocabulary

Maths

Counting scores and runs, measuring distances for court setup, understanding shapes (pentagon bases)

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory and angles, understanding cause and effect in tactics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when losing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to see all three game areas, rotate between groups during main activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing techniques, positive team communication, fair play, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in when unsafe throwing occurs, poor sportsmanship develops, or students become overly frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use competent students to demonstrate tactics and techniques, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples

Verbal Cues

•'Look at your target before throwing!'
•'Step and follow through!'
•'Great teamwork - you're communicating well!'
•'Remember to throw away from the fielders!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for 3 simultaneous games

Surface Check

Flat, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate drainage if outdoors

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify markers are clearly visible and securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face during competitive games
•Collisions between students during running games
•Overexertion during intensive game periods
•Disputes leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce underarm throwing only in Mini Tennis
•Establish clear throwing directions away from other groups
•Batter walks rather than runs in pentagon game for control
•Regular water breaks during intensive periods
•Clear boundaries between different game areas
•Immediate stop signal when unsafe behaviour observed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all three game areas simultaneously
•Move between groups to provide close supervision during competitive phases
•Monitor for signs of overexertion or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required