🕸️

Lesson 3 - Palm Strike Accuracy and Rally Play

Net Rally Fundamentals

•

Year 2

•

Net and Wall

•

53 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep the ball in play and improve our accuracy?

Learning Objectives

Develop palm strike technique with increasing accuracy
Maintain rallies with a partner using appropriate positioning
Demonstrate understanding of basic net and wall game rules

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to send a ball with improved accuracy using palm strikes
Students will keep rallies going by getting under the ball and striking upwards
Students will show understanding of rules and accept decisions positively

Equipment & Resources Required

Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check rackets are appropriate size for Year 2 students

Alternative: None - essential for this lesson

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Ensure balls have good bounce on surface

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for safety

Chalk

4-5 pieces

For marking targets on walls or ground

Alternative: Tape, laminated targets

Cones

20-30 small cones

For creating lines, nets, and targets

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Hoops

15 hoops

Various sizes for different target challenges

Alternative: Chalked circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Palm strike

Hitting the ball with the flat surface of your hand

Rally

Continuous back and forth play between partners

T-position

Body position with one arm pointing forward, other arm back

Self-feed

Bouncing the ball to yourself before striking

Target

A specific area or object to aim for

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
Understanding of bounce and catch activities
Awareness of partner work and taking turns

Current Skills

Palm strike technique with accuracy
Rally maintenance with partner
Positioning under the ball for upward strikes

Next Steps

Introduction of racket skills
More complex rally patterns
Competitive scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistent palm contact with ball

Ability to strike ball upwards over imaginary net

Cooperative play maintaining rallies

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise T-position for all palm strikes - sideways stance with opposite leg forward
Reinforce one-bounce rule consistently throughout all activities
Focus on cooperative rally play rather than competitive winning
Encourage honest self-assessment using thumbs up/neutral/down system
Model and expect positive acceptance of rules and decisions
Progress from individual accuracy to partner cooperation
Use wall work where possible but provide cone line alternatives

Common Misconceptions

Thinking palm strikes should be done facing forward - correct with sideways T-position teaching
Believing harder strikes are always better - emphasise control and accuracy
Assuming rallies are about beating the opponent - focus on cooperation and keeping ball in play
Thinking rules don't matter in practice - consistently apply one-bounce rule throughout

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks incorporated

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, visual guides for T-position

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and larger targets, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for movement

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key commands

physical disability

Seated striking practice, larger equipment, modified distances, alternative grip techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful strikes, measuring distances to targets, calculating angles for rebounds

Science

Understanding forces and angles in ball striking, exploring cause and effect in rebounds

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, understanding angles and trajectories

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, honest self-assessment, accepting decisions and rules positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe different pairs, position near wall area during target work for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for T-position adoption, one-bounce rule adherence, cooperative rally behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if students struggle with cooperation, or if rules are not being followed

Demonstration Notes

Use students who demonstrate good technique as models, ensure demonstrations are visible to all, repeat key technique points regularly

Verbal Cues

•'Get under the ball!'
•'T-position ready!'
•'One bounce only!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m space, wall access preferred but alternatives provided

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for ball bouncing and safe backward movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets are appropriate size and in good condition
•Ensure balls have consistent bounce and are not too hard
•Confirm chalk/targets are visible and safely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during backward running
•Hard ball strikes to head/body
•Trips over equipment
•Wall collision during rallies

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pathways established for backward running with lookout instruction
•Controlled palm strike technique taught to avoid injury
•Equipment placed safely away from movement areas
•Adequate space between wall workers

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to monitor backward running during warm-up
•Watch for safe palm strike technique
•Ensure fair play and rule following during games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aid team if needed