Lesson 7 - Net Play & Defence
Racket Mastery Basics
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around area perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Small balls, tennis balls
Available for students to collect during hoop target activity
Alternative: Clusters of cones, chalk circles
Set up across middle of playing area at appropriate height
Alternative: PE bench on its side, line of cones with rope
Used in rally activities for progression
Alternative: Soft playground balls, sponge balls
For ice and sun warm-up game identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, coloured cones
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with palm facing up
The curved path the ball takes when thrown over a net
Balanced stance with feet apart and knees bent, ready to move quickly
Player trying to stop opponents from scoring points
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
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