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Lesson 1 - Bounce and Catch Skills

Tactical Skill Development

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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59 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Check all balls are properly inflated and safe

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, playground balls

Hoops

6 large hoops

Position 5 metres from team lines

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark areas

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries, throwing lines, and court areas

Alternative: Markers, bibs, rope

Nets

Set at appropriate height for Year 2 (approximately 1 metre)

Alternative: Benches, cones with rope, playground markings

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing the ball with arm moving over the shoulder in an arc motion

One bounce

Allowing the ball to hit the ground once before catching

Ready position

Standing with knees bent, hands ready, on balls of feet

Attacking

When your team has the ball and you're trying to score

Defending

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

Consistent ball control during movement

Accurate throwing over 3-metre distances

Quick transition between throwing and catching positions

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