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Lesson 2 - Space Defence Skills

Racket Mastery Basics

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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Big Question

How can the ready position help us move quickly to defend our space on court?

Learning Objectives

To understand and demonstrate the ready position for defending court space
To develop quick movement skills from the ready position to collect balls
To apply defensive positioning concepts in net and wall games

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently use the ready position to improve their movement speed
Students will successfully catch balls using proper body positioning and timing
Students will understand why returning to a central position helps defend space

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30 total)

Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Bean bags, small foam balls for easier catching

Cones

40 (1 per student plus extras)

Scattered throughout space for warm-up, then repositioned for activities

Alternative: Markers, hoops, or chalk circles

Balls

15 (optional for differentiation)

Available for students needing easier catching option

Alternative: Larger foam balls or beach balls

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and body balanced to move quickly in any direction

Defend

Protecting your space by being ready to move and catch balls

Court Space

The area you are responsible for protecting in net and wall games

Underarm Throw

Throwing the ball with arm swinging up from below, like bowling

Feeder

The person who throws or drops the ball for their partner to catch

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball catching with two hands
Understanding of personal space and moving safely
Simple throwing and rolling skills

Current Skills

Ready position technique and application
Quick movement from stationary to dynamic positions
Defensive court positioning concepts

Next Steps

Using ready position in competitive net and wall games
Advanced court coverage and movement patterns
Tactical positioning to force opponent errors

Milestone Indicators

Students automatically adopt ready position when anticipating ball

Quick, controlled movement to ball with successful return to position

Understanding demonstrated through questioning and game application

Key Teaching Points

Ready position forms foundation for all movement in net and wall games
Eyes must track ball throughout its flight path for successful catching
Return to central court position enables defensive coverage of entire space
Underarm throwing provides better control and safety than overarm technique
Movement from ready position should be explosive but controlled
Tactical ball placement away from opponent creates movement challenges
Equipment modification supports learning without compromising skill development

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking ready position means standing completely still - emphasise being ready to move
Believing larger balls are 'easier' so technique doesn't matter - maintain technical focus
Assuming faster throwing is better - emphasise control and placement over speed
Thinking they should stay where they catch the ball - emphasise return to central position
Believing ready position is only for catching - connect to all movement situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement positively, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, provide extra practice time, break down ready position into component parts, allow seated practice if needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of ready position, use sound cues for ball location, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, position teacher for clear lip reading

physical disability

Modify ready position for seated students, use larger lighter balls, reduce movement distances, allow catching with aids or adaptive equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, following complex instructions, peer feedback and communication skills

Science

Understanding of forces in throwing and catching, balance and stability, reaction times and nervous system response

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork skills, resilience when learning new skills, supporting others and celebrating improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the activity space to provide individual feedback while maintaining overview of all students

Observation Focus

Monitor ready position technique, catching success, movement quality, and tactical understanding development

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with ready position technique, when throwing becomes unsafe, or when tactical concepts need clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for ready position clarity. Demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison. Show tactical concepts through positioned examples.

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - knees bent like sitting!'
•'Watch the ball all the way to your hands'
•'Quick feet to the ball, then back to centre'
•'Underarm throws only for safety and control'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls in good condition without cracks or damage
•Cones stable and free from sharp edges or cracks
•Playground balls properly inflated and undamaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body from poor throwing technique
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls when moving quickly to collect balls
•Equipment scattered creating trip hazards

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each activity
•Emphasis on underarm throwing only throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing between pairs and individuals
•Regular equipment checks and organised storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe majority of students during activities
•Move around space to provide individual feedback and safety monitoring
•Monitor throwing technique to ensure underarm delivery
•Watch for fatigue affecting movement quality and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, involve additional support as needed