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Lesson 2 - Catching and Movement Tactics

Tactical Skill Development

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, small playground balls

Dish Cones

6-8

Placed as central points for warm-up activity

Alternative: Chalk marks, hoops

Hoops

6 (for Fill your House game)

Positioned 5 metres from team starting lines

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Posts

2-3 sets

Set up courts approximately 8m x 6m

Alternative: Cones with rope between, playground markings

Coloured Bibs

30 (for team identification)

Different colours for each team in games

Alternative: House colour bands, numbered bibs

Key Vocabulary

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that cushion the ball when catching, preventing it from bouncing out

Tracking

Following the flight path of the ball with your eyes from release to catch

Target hands

Positioning hands early to give the thrower a clear target to aim at

Finger positioning

Fingers pointing up for high catches, down for low catches

Balls of feet

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

Catches 8 out of 10 throws at chest height

Successfully makes partner move in 3 different directions

Maintains positive attitude throughout all activities

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