Lesson 3 - Scoring Against Opponents
Racket Mastery Basics
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Used for creating nets, boundaries, and targets throughout activities
Alternative: Bean bags, plastic bottles, skittles
Scattered around space for warm-up, then used as targets for throwing games
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops
One per pair for throwing activities
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags, small playground balls
For differentiation in catching activities
Alternative: Larger soft balls, volleyballs
Key Vocabulary
The person you are playing against in a game
Smart plans or tricks to help you win points
Throwing the ball with your hand starting low and going upwards
The number of points each player has won
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
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