Lesson 1 - Bounce and Catch Skills
Tactical Skill Development
•Year 2
•Invasion Games
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How can we use bouncing and catching skills to outwit our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing technique for accurate bounce passes
- To improve catching skills after one bounce
- To understand basic attacking and defending principles in invasion games
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent bounce and catch technique
- Students will apply throwing and catching skills in game situations
- Students will explain simple tactics for attacking and defending
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all balls are properly inflated and safe
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, playground balls
Position 5 metres from team lines
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark areas
Mark boundaries, throwing lines, and court areas
Alternative: Markers, bibs, rope
Set at appropriate height for Year 2 (approximately 1 metre)
Alternative: Benches, cones with rope, playground markings
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball with arm moving over the shoulder in an arc motion
Allowing the ball to hit the ground once before catching
Standing with knees bent, hands ready, on balls of feet
When your team has the ball and you're trying to score
When the other team has the ball and you're trying to stop them scoring
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball familiarisation and handling
- Simple throwing and catching with two hands
- Following simple game rules
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique for bounce passes
- Catching after one bounce consistently
- Understanding basic attacking and defending concepts
Next Steps
- Throwing for accuracy under pressure
- Advanced catching techniques on the move
- Complex invasion game tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing technique: start with ball by ear, throw over shoulder in arc motion
- Catching ready position: on balls of feet, hands ready, watching the ball throughout
- Bounce placement: aim for ball to bounce slightly closer to receiver than thrower
- Tactical thinking: throw to make it difficult for opponents to catch after one bounce
- Safety first: underarm throwing only in games, maintain spacing, control movements
- Progressive challenge: master stationary skills before adding movement complexity
- Inclusive participation: celebrate effort and improvement, not just achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking harder throws are always better - teach control and accuracy over power
- Believing you must throw directly to your partner - explain bounce strategy requires different aim point
- Assuming catching is passive - emphasise active movement to intercept ball
- Focusing only on individual success - develop understanding of team cooperation
- Missing the connection between practice skills and game application - explicitly link activities to game situations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection zones available, consistent language and instructions
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching options, adapted equipment (larger/softer balls), modified distances, alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful catches in 4,3,2,1 game, measuring 3-metre distances, understanding timing and sequences
Science
Forces in throwing and bouncing, trajectory and angles, cause and effect in ball movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during instruction, moving between pairs/teams during practice, corner position during games for full court visibility
Observation Focus
Throwing technique progression, catching anticipation and movement, tactical understanding development, cooperation and communication
Intervention Points
["Step in if throwing technique becomes unsafe", "Support students struggling with ball control", "Facilitate discussion during tactical questioning", "Ensure inclusive participation in all activities"]
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate at student height, use exaggerated movements for visibility, break down complex skills into steps, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Phone to ear' for throwing start position
- •'Soft hands' for catching technique
- •'Ready position' for receiving stance
- •'Make them move' for tactical thinking
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area for main activities, plus additional court space for games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All balls checked for appropriate inflation and no damage
- •Nets/ropes at safe height (1m) and securely fastened
- •Cones positioned safely and visible
- •Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions between students during movement
- •Trips and falls during direction changes
- •Net/rope entanglement
Risk Mitigation
- •Underarm throwing only enforced in games
- •Clear spacing maintained between activities
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to movement
- •Constant supervision of throwing techniques
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing activities
- •Monitor spacing during partner work
- •Ensure safe technique during skill progression
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safe and calm