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Big Question

How can we help our teammates score by working together with the ball?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop throwing to a teammate accurately
  • To support a teammate when in possession of the ball
  • To understand team roles in invasion games

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate throwing techniques to teammates
  • Students will move into space to support ball carriers
  • Students will work cooperatively to achieve team goals

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones
30

Various colours for different activities, placed around boundaries and as targets

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or chalk lines

Balls
15

One ball per pair, stored safely at area edge when not in use

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs, or rubber balls

Team bibs
5 sets (different colours)

One colour for cats in warm-up, others for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, ribbons, or wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces once on the ground before reaching your teammate

Chest pass

A pass thrown directly from chest height to your teammate's chest

Interception

When the defending team catches or stops the ball from the attacking team

Support

Moving into a position where you can help your teammate with the ball

Space

An area on the playing field where there are no defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling skills
  • Understanding of team colours and sides
  • Simple catching with two hands

Current Skills

  • Bounce pass technique
  • Chest pass technique
  • Moving into space to support teammates
  • Basic invasion game tactics

Next Steps

  • Defending and intercepting passes
  • Advanced passing under pressure
  • Team strategies and formations

Milestone Indicators

1
Accurate passes over 3-4 metre distances
2
Moving immediately after passing
3
Calling for the ball appropriately
4
Supporting teammates consistently

Key Teaching Points

  • Point hands in direction of pass for accuracy
  • Step forward when throwing for power and control
  • Move into space away from defenders to support teammates
  • Check teammate is ready before passing
  • Keep feet still when holding the ball in invasion games
  • Use variety of passes (bounce and chest) for different situations
  • Communicate with teammates through calling and eye contact

Common Misconceptions

  • Believing you can run with the ball in invasion games - emphasise stationary passing rules
  • Thinking passing hard equals passing well - focus on accuracy and control
  • Assuming all passes should be the same - teach when to use bounce vs chest pass
  • Not understanding support play - demonstrate how moving helps the team
  • Expecting immediate success - emphasise practice and improvement over perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
  • Larger, softer balls, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
  • Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or picture cards for rules
physical disability
  • Seated passing variations, modified distances, allow rolling instead of throwing if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring 3-5 metre distances, angles for passing direction, scoring and adding points

Science

Forces needed for different pass types, friction affecting ball movement, body systems during exercise

Geography

Understanding directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions when making mistakes, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, step into groups to give specific feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, supporting movement, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is consistently poor, if students are struggling with game rules, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use student helpers for demonstrations, exaggerate key teaching points for clarity, break down complex skills into simple steps

Verbal Cues
  • 'Point your hands where you want the ball to go!'
  • 'Find the space away from the defender!'
  • 'Help your teammate by moving to support them!'
  • 'Well done for encouraging your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards and suitable for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check playground balls are properly inflated and not damaged
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Team bands secured properly to avoid tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between moving students
  • Slips and falls during direction changes
  • Ball strikes to face or body
  • Overexertion in warm-up activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and enforced throughout
  • Adequate spacing between pairs and groups maintained
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
  • Regular breaks and cool-down periods
  • Gentle tagging only in warm-up game

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all students
  • Monitor high-activity areas during games
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
  • Ensure fair play and safe contact during defending
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school office if needed