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Lesson 8 - Hitting Over a Net with Control

Racket Mastery Basics

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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Big Question

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

Cones

Use to create net line (15 cones) and baseline (15 cones)

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers

Hoops

Distributed around teaching area for individual practice

Alternative: Target areas marked with cones or chalk circles

Skinned Foam Balls

One per student for individual skill development

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft-play balls, or bean bags

Tennis Rackets

Appropriate size for Year 2 students' hand span

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats, or paddles

Key Vocabulary

Net

The barrier that divides the court in net and wall games

Baseline

The back line of the court that marks the playing area boundary

Control

Hitting the ball with purpose and accuracy to a chosen target

Tactics

Smart choices about where to place the ball to make it difficult for opponents

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move and play

Racket face

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

Student can hit 3 out of 5 balls over the net successfully

Student consistently looks for gaps before hitting

Student can explain why they chose to hit to a particular area

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