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Lesson 2 - Striking With Accuracy

Net Rally Fundamentals

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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45 min

Big Question

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

Balls

1 per pair (15)

Distributed to pairs at start of main session

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for beginners

Coloured Cones

9 sets of 3 matching colours

Set in triangle formations 2m apart for warm-up

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops

Hoops

7 hoops

Placed 3-5m away as targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

8-10 cones

Create net barriers for game activities

Alternative: Rope between posts, bench, sports hall net

Key Vocabulary

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground

Strike

To hit the ball with control using forearms or hands

Forearms

The part of your arm between wrist and elbow used for hitting

Rally

Keeping the ball going back and forth between players

Ready position

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

Consistent forearm position for striking

Ability to adjust body position for volleying

Clear communication during game situations

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