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Lesson 1 - Ready Position Defence

Racket Mastery Basics

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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59 min

Big Question

How can the ready position help me defend my space and react quickly to moving objects?

Learning Objectives

To understand and demonstrate the ready position for quick movement
To defend space effectively by using the ready position
To react quickly from the ready position to catch or intercept balls

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently demonstrate the ready position with correct technique
Students will move quickly from ready position to defend their space
Students will understand why the ready position helps with quick reactions

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Scattered around space for warm-up, then arranged for goals and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed to pairs during skill development activities

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags, or playground balls for easier catching

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Standing with feet hip-width apart, knees bent, ready to move quickly in any direction

Defend

To protect your space or goal from the opponent

React

To respond quickly to what you see happening

Intercept

To catch or stop a ball before it reaches its target

Balance

Keeping your body steady and in control

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and changing direction
Simple catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Ready position technique
Quick directional movement from stationary position
Defending space using body position

Next Steps

Ready position in competitive net and wall games
Advanced defensive positioning
Anticipating opponent movements

Milestone Indicators

Automatically returns to ready position between actions

Moves with confidence and speed from ready position

Can explain why ready position helps with quick reactions

Key Teaching Points

Ready position has three key elements: feet hip-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet
Always return to ready position between movements and activities
Ready position enables quick movement in any direction compared to other starting positions
Use quick small steps rather than big strides when moving from ready position
Maintain ready position even when waiting or anticipating opponent's moves
Connect ready position technique to improved performance in games
Emphasise defensive applications of ready position in net and wall games

Common Misconceptions

Ready position is just standing normally - emphasise the specific technical elements
Only need ready position at the start of activities - stress returning to position repeatedly
Bigger steps are faster - teach that quick small steps are more effective
Ready position is only for defence - show applications in both offensive and defensive play
Can skip ready position if already moving - demonstrate importance of resetting position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position checks, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Break down ready position into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, use physical supports if needed for balance

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, consistent language for ready position cues, quiet zones available if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones, provide verbal descriptions of ready position, allow partner guidance during movement activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for directions, visual cues for ready position elements

physical disability

Adapt ready position for seated students, modify movement activities to suit mobility levels, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting repetitions and scores, understanding of directions (North/South/East/West), spatial relationships and distance measurement

Science

Forces and motion in jumping and direction changes, balance and stability concepts, reaction times and the nervous system

Geography

Compass directions and spatial orientation, understanding of relative positioning

PSHE

Turn-taking and fair play, supporting partner's learning, resilience when activities are challenging, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent ready position technique, appropriate competitive behaviour, safe movement patterns, engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if ready position technique deteriorates, if games become too competitive, if students show signs of fatigue, if safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate ready position with exaggerated technique for visibility, show common mistakes alongside correct technique, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - check your knees are bent!'
•'Feet like train tracks, knees like sitting down!'
•'Return to your ready position!'
•'Use quick small steps to reach the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for whole class movement and pair activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without splits
•Verify adequate number of cones for safe spacing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during directional running
•Slips from quick directional changes
•Ball strikes from tennis ball activities
•Overexertion during repeated activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and directional markers established
•Adequate spacing between students and pairs maintained
•Progressive introduction of speed and intensity
•Constant supervision of pair work
•Regular ready position checks for safe movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of students
•Move around space during pair activities
•Monitor energy levels and technique degradation
•Check appropriate competitive intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established for immediate cessation of activity, clear pathways to exit, first aid kit accessible