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Lesson 7 - Net Play & Defence

Racket Mastery Basics

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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1h 8min

Big Question

How can we use clever tactics to score points and defend our space in net and wall games?

Learning Objectives

To develop playing over a net and defending space
To develop placing the ball accurately to score points
To show awareness of opponents when playing games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate underarm throwing with accuracy over a net
Students will use simple tactics to defend space and score points
Students will show understanding of scoring systems in net games

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

15 (1 per student)

Distributed around area perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Small balls, tennis balls

Hoops

30 (2 per pair)

Available for students to collect during hoop target activity

Alternative: Clusters of cones, chalk circles

Nets

1 (or bench/cone line)

Set up across middle of playing area at appropriate height

Alternative: PE bench on its side, line of cones with rope

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per student)

Used in rally activities for progression

Alternative: Soft playground balls, sponge balls

Beanbags

6 (3 blue, 3 yellow)

For ice and sun warm-up game identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, coloured cones

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with palm facing up

Arc trajectory

The curved path the ball takes when thrown over a net

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet apart and knees bent, ready to move quickly

Defender

Player trying to stop opponents from scoring points

Tactics

Smart decisions about where and how to throw to be successful

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple catching of large balls and beanbags
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Throwing over obstacles with arc trajectory
Tactical awareness in simple games
Defending space and intercepting throws

Next Steps

More complex net games with rules
Introduction to serving techniques
Team-based net and wall games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throwing over net

Quick reaction to defend targets

Understanding of when to attack vs defend

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing technique with palm facing up towards target
Arc trajectory required for throwing over net obstacles
Ready position with knees bent for quick defensive movement
Tactical thinking about where to throw to avoid defenders
Importance of accuracy over power in net games
Clear communication of scores and rules during games
Cooperative partnership skills during rally practice

Common Misconceptions

Thinking overarm throwing is better than underarm for net games - correction: underarm gives better control over arc
Believing throwing harder makes it more difficult to defend - correction: placement and deception are more effective
Assuming defender should stay in one place - correction: movement and anticipation are key to defending
Thinking scoring happens every throw - correction: understand when bounces count for points
Believing net games are just about throwing - correction: equal importance of defending and tactics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular activity changes, clear boundaries marked, immediate feedback and praise for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified throwing technique focus, extra practice time with support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent partner pairings, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and beanbags, verbal descriptions of throwing arc, partner guidance for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for scoring

physical disability

Seated throwing options, modified targets at appropriate heights, alternative equipment like larger balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rallies and scores, understanding of distances and angles for throws, measuring spaces between hoops

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on trajectory, reaction time and reflexes in defending

Geography

Spatial awareness and position, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping court areas

PSHE

Turn-taking and fairness, resilience when losing points, cooperation and communication with partners

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position near net during throwing activities for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for underarm technique, tactical decision-making, and cooperative partner work

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, provide individual technique coaching, mediate any disputes

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for technique, show common mistakes and corrections, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Palm up and towards your partner!'
•'Arc shape over the net!'
•'Ready position - knees bent!'
•'Choose your target wisely!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m area with clear boundaries and net setup across middle

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check net height is appropriate for age group (approximately 1.5m)
•Ensure beanbags and balls are in good condition
•Hoops laid flat to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Balls hitting students in face
•Falls when reaching for difficult catches
•Net or bench causing trips

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate space between pairs
•Emphasis on controlled throwing - no overarm
•Teaching safe catching position with hands up
•Net securely fastened and visible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during activities
•Monitor net area for safe play
•Watch for students attempting dangerous catches

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and occupied