Lesson 8 - Hitting Over a Net with Control
Racket Mastery Basics
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we hit a ball over a net with control and use tactics to challenge our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To develop hitting a ball over a net with increasing control and accuracy
- To show awareness of opponents' positions when playing net games
- To use simple tactical thinking in net and wall activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will hit a ball over a net with improved control using a racket
- Students will demonstrate spatial awareness by identifying gaps in opponent positioning
- Students will apply basic tactics to place the ball away from opponents
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to create net line (15 cones) and baseline (15 cones)
Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers
Distributed around teaching area for individual practice
Alternative: Target areas marked with cones or chalk circles
One per student for individual skill development
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft-play balls, or bean bags
Appropriate size for Year 2 students' hand span
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats, or paddles
Key Vocabulary
The barrier that divides the court in net and wall games
The back line of the court that marks the playing area boundary
Hitting the ball with purpose and accuracy to a chosen target
Smart choices about where to place the ball to make it difficult for opponents
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move and play
The flat hitting surface of the racket that contacts the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket handling and ball control
- Understanding of personal and general space
- Simple striking skills with hand or racket
Current Skills
- Hitting a ball over a net with control
- Tactical awareness in net games
- Reading opponent positioning
Next Steps
- Consistent rally play over a net
- Advanced tactical play and court positioning
- Game-specific rules and scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Racket face direction determines ball placement
- Control and accuracy are more important than power
- Looking for gaps creates tactical advantage
- Proper timing on ball contact improves consistency
- Ready position enables quick movement and response
- Following through toward target improves accuracy
- Teamwork and encouragement enhance game enjoyment
Common Misconceptions
- Hitting harder automatically makes shots better - teach control first
- Racket grip doesn't matter - demonstrate proper handshake grip
- Looking at target isn't important - emphasise visual tracking
- Net games are just about hitting over net - teach boundary awareness
- Tactics are too advanced for Year 2 - show simple gap-finding concepts
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
- Simplified sequences, larger equipment, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown, success celebrated at all levels
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable game structures
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, use buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or picture cards for game rules
physical disability
- Seated hitting variations, larger/lighter equipment, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful hits and team scores, measuring distances for baseline placement, understanding angles for net clearance
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, understanding trajectory and gravity effects, discussing reaction times and coordination
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and court layout, mapping game strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition and pressure, showing respect for opponents and teammates
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing sight of all groups, move between groups during practice phases
Observation Focus
Monitor hitting technique, spatial awareness, tactical understanding, and social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns arise, technique needs correction, or conflicts need resolution
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Racket face points where you want the ball to go!'
- •'Look for the gaps before you hit!'
- •'Control beats power every time!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent, eyes up!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 15m for multiple groups
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate drainage if outdoor
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
- •Ensure foam balls are in good condition
- •Cones placed securely and not creating trip hazards
- •Hoops flat on ground when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students moving with rackets
- •Being hit by balls during hitting practice
- •Tripping over equipment or boundaries
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing rules established and maintained
- •Designated hitting areas with safe collection zones
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular equipment checks and boundary awareness
- •Clear signals for stop/start activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor spacing during racket activities
- •Check hitting techniques for safety
- •Ensure fair play and positive interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and supervised