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Lesson 3 - Scoring Against Opponents

Racket Mastery Basics

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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Big Question

How can I use tactics and accurate throwing to win points against my opponent?

Learning Objectives

To be able to play against an opponent using simple tactics
To accurately keep score during competitive games
To demonstrate underarm throwing skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will remember and announce scores accurately during games
Students will show tactical awareness by throwing away from opponents
Students will demonstrate controlled underarm throwing at targets

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for creating nets, boundaries, and targets throughout activities

Alternative: Bean bags, plastic bottles, skittles

Hoops

Scattered around space for warm-up, then used as targets for throwing games

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops

Tennis Balls

One per pair for throwing activities

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags, small playground balls

Balls

For differentiation in catching activities

Alternative: Larger soft balls, volleyballs

Key Vocabulary

Opponent

The person you are playing against in a game

Tactics

Smart plans or tricks to help you win points

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with your hand starting low and going upwards

Score

The number of points each player has won

Target

Something you aim at to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of simple game rules
Ability to work cooperatively in pairs

Current Skills

Tactical awareness in net and wall games
Accurate scorekeeping during gameplay
Controlled throwing under competitive pressure

Next Steps

Introduction to volleys and returns
More complex scoring systems
Team-based net and wall games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently accurate score announcement

Observable tactical decision-making

Maintained throwing accuracy under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Always announce scores clearly and immediately after points are won
Use tactical thinking by throwing away from where opponents are positioned
Maintain proper underarm throwing technique with follow-through pointing at target
Show excellent sportsmanship by congratulating opponents and accepting results gracefully
Remember the ready position for catching - balanced, knees bent, arms prepared

Common Misconceptions

Thinking opponents are enemies rather than people to compete fairly against
Believing winning is more important than playing fairly and having fun
Assuming throwing harder always means throwing more accurately
Not understanding that tactics involve thinking ahead rather than just reacting
Thinking scoring is automatic rather than requiring agreement between players

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular feedback, movement opportunities built into learning

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear game routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of opponent positions, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for scoring, demonstrate all instructions clearly, written score cards for tracking

physical disability

Seated throwing versions, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through key terms, speaking and listening during score announcements

Maths

Counting and tracking scores, measuring distances for throwing, understanding greater than/less than in scoring

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and arc, cause and effect in game tactics

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, managing emotions in competition, cooperation and turn-taking

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position for quick intervention

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical thinking, accurate scoring, fair play under competition

Intervention Points

Step in for scoring disputes, unsafe throwing, or poor sportsmanship

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate tactical concepts clearly, show both successful and unsuccessful examples for learning

Verbal Cues

•'Throw away from your opponent!'
•'What's the score now?'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Remember your underarm technique!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor court area

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for jumping and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not cracked or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are intact with no breaks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during multi-directional movement
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips during jumping and quick direction changes
•Equipment tripping hazards

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries between pairs
•Emphasise controlled throwing only
•Maintain adequate spacing during activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all pairs
•Monitor throwing intensity and accuracy
•Watch for signs of frustration or unsporting behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical support