Lesson 3 - Palm Strike Accuracy and Rally Play
Net Rally Fundamentals
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check rackets are appropriate size for Year 2 students
Alternative: None - essential for this lesson
Ensure balls have good bounce on surface
Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for safety
For marking targets on walls or ground
Alternative: Tape, laminated targets
For creating lines, nets, and targets
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Various sizes for different target challenges
Alternative: Chalked circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball with the flat surface of your hand
Continuous back and forth play between partners
Body position with one arm pointing forward, other arm back
Bouncing the ball to yourself before striking
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
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