Lesson 2 - Striking With Accuracy
Net Rally Fundamentals
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use different striking techniques to keep a rally going and work effectively with our partners?
Learning Objectives
- To strike a ball with increasing accuracy using forearms
- To volley a ball by positioning correctly underneath it
- To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved striking technique using parallel forearms
- Students will show understanding of positioning for effective volleying
- Students will communicate clearly with partners and teammates during activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to pairs at start of main session
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for beginners
Set in triangle formations 2m apart for warm-up
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops
Placed 3-5m away as targets
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Create net barriers for game activities
Alternative: Rope between posts, bench, sports hall net
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground
To hit the ball with control using forearms or hands
The part of your arm between wrist and elbow used for hitting
Keeping the ball going back and forth between players
Standing alert with weight on balls of feet, arms prepared
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Experience working with partners in PE activities
Current Skills
- Forearm striking technique with parallel arms
- Volleying positioning - getting underneath the ball
- Communication and cooperation in partner work
Next Steps
- Introduction to overhead hitting techniques
- Basic net games with simple tactics
- More complex rally patterns and team games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Forearms must be parallel with hands properly positioned for effective striking
- Getting underneath the ball is crucial for controlled upward volleys
- Communication between partners enhances both learning and safety
- Accuracy is more important than power in striking and volleying
- Ready position with weight on balls of feet improves reaction time
- Positive encouragement builds confidence and enjoyment in net games
- Decision-making between bounce and volley develops tactical awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Harder hitting means better control - emphasise accuracy over power
- Hands can be positioned anywhere for striking - teach specific forearm parallel technique
- Only successful outcomes matter - celebrate effort and improvement
- Individual performance is most important - highlight teamwork and communication
- Volleying is just hitting the ball up - emphasise positioning and technique
- Competition means winning at all costs - focus on fair play and enjoyment
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues for attention
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls and targets, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time for hand positioning
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines and signals
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide audio cues for ball flight, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for communication
physical disability
- Adapt striking to seated position, use larger lighter balls, modify distances and targets as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, clear communication with partners
Maths
Counting consecutive hits, measuring distances for targets, timing activities and calculating averages
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of striking, cause and effect in ball bouncing
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, supporting others, managing emotions during challenges, celebrating diverse achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between pairs and groups to provide individual feedback, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct forearm positioning, quality of communication between partners, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, when children need encouragement, or when group dynamics need support
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for hand positioning, demonstrate both successful and common mistake examples, involve children in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Forearms parallel!'
- •'Get underneath!'
- •'Up not out!'
- •'Ready position!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m for full class, larger space preferred for net games
Surface Check
Level surface free from obstacles, suitable for quick movements and ball bouncing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Hoops should be flat on ground to prevent tripping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Trips over equipment or boundaries
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled striking upwards not at people
- •Clear spacing between groups and activities
- •Constant awareness of others in shared space
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups during games
- •Monitor spacing and movement patterns
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other children are safely occupied