Lesson 6 - Racket Control and Ball Sending
Racket Mastery Basics
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use a racket to send a ball accurately to our partner?
Learning Objectives
- To develop sending a ball using a racket with control and accuracy
- To improve underarm throwing technique with one bounce
- To understand how to position body and racket for effective ball control
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved racket control when sending balls
- Students will show understanding of ready position and sideways stance
- Students will work cooperatively with partners to practice ball sending skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls, bean bags
Check all rackets have secure strings and appropriate grip size
Alternative: Paddle bats, short tennis rackets
Set up in pairs for goal creation in floor tennis activity
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, rope
Available for students needing easier catching practice
Alternative: Larger, slower bouncing balls
Key Vocabulary
The flat hitting surface of the racket with strings
Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move
Standing with side of body facing the target, not front-on
Throwing with hand starting below waist level, arm swinging upward
Stopping the ball by placing racket on top of it
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 moving safely
- Experience with simple underarm throwing
Current Skills
- Racket grip and control techniques
- Coordinated ball sending with bounce control
- Partner cooperation and turn-taking
Next Steps
- Hitting moving balls with racket
- Introduction to basic tennis strokes
- Small-sided net and wall games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Demonstrate correct racket grip with fingers spread around handle
- Emphasise sideways stance when sending ball for better control
- Show importance of centre racket face contact for accuracy
- Model proper ready position with knees bent and weight forward
- Teach pointing and follow through for directional control
- Stress watching the ball from partner's hand to racket contact
- Encourage controlled movement and technique over power
Common Misconceptions
- Harder hitting always means better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
- Any part of racket is fine for hitting - teach centre face for best results
- Standing face-on is natural - show why sideways stance gives better control
- Looking at target while hitting - emphasise watching ball first, then target
- Grip doesn't matter - demonstrate how proper grip affects control
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice area available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of racket position, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapted rackets or paddle bats, seated versions where appropriate, modified distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for techniques, communication with partners
Maths
Counting successful hits, measuring distances between partners, angles of racket face
Science
Forces and motion when hitting balls, friction between racket and ball
PSHE
Cooperation, taking turns, showing respect for others, perseverance when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of area to observe all pairs, move around to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, sideways stance, and centre racket contact
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with grip or safety distances
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements. Demonstrate common mistakes and corrections. Involve students in demonstrations when appropriate.
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways on!'
- •'Centre of racket!'
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Point and follow through!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor hall or playground area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface checked for hazards, ensure dry conditions
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All rackets checked for secure strings and safe grip sizes
- •Balls appropriate weight and bounce for age group
- •Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact with other students during swinging
- •Slips when moving quickly to reach balls
- •Balls rolling under feet causing trips
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
- •All students hitting in same direction during drop and hit
- •Immediate ball collection after activities
- •Controlled movement speeds throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all pairs during racket work
- •Monitor spacing and safe swinging during partner activities
- •Check for overexcitement during competitive games
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear route to office