Lesson 2 - Catching and Movement Tactics
Tactical Skill Development
•Year 2
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we catch balls consistently whilst making our opponents move around the court?
Learning Objectives
- To catch a ball consistently on the full with improved technique
- To use tactical throwing to move opponents around the court
- To demonstrate good sportsmanship and emotional self-regulation during games
Key Outcomes
- Students will catch balls with soft hands using appropriate finger positioning
- Students will throw strategically to different areas to challenge opponents
- Students will manage their feelings appropriately during competitive activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Bean bags, small playground balls
Placed as central points for warm-up activity
Alternative: Chalk marks, hoops
Positioned 5 metres from team starting lines
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Set up courts approximately 8m x 6m
Alternative: Cones with rope between, playground markings
Different colours for each team in games
Alternative: House colour bands, numbered bibs
Key Vocabulary
Relaxed hands that cushion the ball when catching, preventing it from bouncing out
Following the flight path of the ball with your eyes from release to catch
Positioning hands early to give the thrower a clear target to aim at
Fingers pointing up for high catches, down for low catches
Standing on the front part of feet to be ready to move quickly in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic two-handed catching of large balls
- Simple underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
Current Skills
- Consistent catching with correct hand positioning
- Tactical throwing to move opponents
- Emotional regulation during competition
Next Steps
- Catching whilst moving at speed
- Advanced throwing techniques (overhead, sidearm)
- Complex tactical decision-making in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Eyes must track the ball from release to catch - demonstrate exaggerated head movement
- Soft hands technique prevents ball bouncing out - show contrast with rigid hands
- Finger positioning changes with ball height - fingers up for high, down for low catches
- Early target presentation helps throwers aim accurately - hands ready before throw
- Ready position on balls of feet enables quick movement in any direction
- Tactical throwing to different areas makes opponents work harder
- Emotional regulation is as important as physical skills in competitive activities
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Harder throwing means better accuracy. Correction: Controlled, targeted throwing is more effective
- Misconception: Looking away briefly doesn't matter. Correction: Eyes must stay on ball throughout entire flight
- Misconception: Hand position doesn't matter for catching. Correction: Finger direction is crucial for success
- Misconception: Moving feet isn't necessary if you can reach. Correction: Getting body behind ball improves success rate
- Misconception: Competitive games are just about winning. Correction: Learning and improvement are the real goals
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include frequent activity changes, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls for easier handling, reduce speed of activities, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for instructions, written or pictorial rule cards
physical disability
- Adapt catching with seated versions, use larger/lighter balls, modify distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, listening and responding
Maths
Counting successful catches in 4,3,2,1 game, measuring distances between partners, calculating team scores
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, gravity's effect on ball flight, reaction times
PSHE
Managing emotions during competition, encouraging others, dealing with disappointment, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all groups, moving between activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, positive emotional responses, and tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in when throwing becomes too forceful, when students show frustration, or when technique needs correction
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show techniques. Involve students in demonstrations to increase engagement and understanding.
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
- •'Eyes on the ball all the way into your hands!'
- •'Make a target for your partner!'
- •'Fingers up for high, fingers down for low!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, additional court space for games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and jumping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure nets and posts are stable and appropriate height
- •Verify hoops are safe and won't trip students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries from overzealous throwing
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Equipment-related trips or falls
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled throwing force throughout
- •Maintain adequate spacing between activities
- •Clear boundaries and pathways established
- •Progressive skill building to prevent overreaching
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor throwing intensity during partner work
- •Watch for emotional stress during competitive activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or comfort, ensure other students remain calm and safe