Lesson 6 - Striking and Punting Skills
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•Year 2
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can we strike and punt a ball accurately using different body parts and techniques?
Learning Objectives
- To develop striking skills using various body parts with accuracy and control
- To learn proper punting technique with head still and laces contact
- To apply striking skills in cooperative and competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate striking using hands, feet, and head
- Students will execute punts with proper technique and timing
- Students will work cooperatively to keep objects airborne using striking skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Large soft balls, beach balls
Used for goals and assessment stations
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Positioned where all students can hear clearly
Alternative: Whistle for commands
Key Vocabulary
Kicking a ball directly from your hands before it touches the ground
The top part of your foot covered by shoe laces, used for powerful accurate kicks
Hitting a ball with force using different parts of the body
Following the ball with your eyes to predict where it will go
Balanced stance with knees bent, ready to move in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Simple striking movements with hands
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Multi-part body striking techniques
- Punting from hands with proper form
- Cooperative striking in group activities
Next Steps
- Advanced striking in moving game situations
- Tactical use of different striking techniques
- Creating and leading striking-based games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Strike through the ball with firm contact, don't just tap it gently
- Keep eyes tracking the ball throughout all striking movements
- Position body behind the ball before attempting to strike
- For punting, drop the ball and strike with laces before ground contact
- Maintain head stillness during punting for accuracy and control
- Work cooperatively and encourage partner's attempts positively
- Get into ready position early when receiving balls from partners
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking harder strikes are always better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
- Believing only feet should be used for ball games - show value of multi-body part striking
- Assuming punting is just throwing with feet - explain the specific drop and kick technique
- Thinking individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight cooperative success
- Believing mistakes mean failure - frame errors as learning opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks between activities, use immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide extra practice time, offer physical guidance for technique development
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule cards, allow for sensory breaks, maintain predictable activity sequences
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, assign sighted buddy for guidance and safety
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use hand signals for common commands, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt striking activities for seated position, use larger lighter balls, modify distances, provide alternative roles like scorekeeper or coach
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using descriptive language for movement, listening skills during Musical Instructions game, communication during partner work
Maths
Counting consecutive strikes and catches, measuring distances for kicking, timing activities in seconds, recording group scores and improvement
Science
Understanding forces in striking and punting, exploring how different body parts create different ball movements, observing cause and effect in ball trajectories
PSHE
Building cooperation and teamwork skills, developing resilience when facing challenges, showing respect for others' abilities, celebrating different types of achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the activity area to observe all students, position in corners for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for proper striking technique, safe spatial awareness, positive cooperation, and progressive skill development
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe behaviour observed, or negative interactions occurring
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key teaching points, ensure all students can see clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Get your body behind the ball!'
- •'Strike through, don't just touch!'
- •'Great teamwork!'
- •'Keep your head still when punting!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, checked for any hazards before activity
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balloon balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify music equipment volume is appropriate
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips during direction changes
- •Contact during striking activities
- •Overexertion during continuous activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and pathways established before activities
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students and pairs
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular safety reminders during activities
- •Appropriate equipment for age and ability
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas closely
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure inclusive participation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required