Lesson 2 - Space Defence Skills
Racket Mastery Basics
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter for quick collection
Alternative: Bean bags, small foam balls for easier catching
Scattered throughout space for warm-up, then repositioned for activities
Alternative: Markers, hoops, or chalk circles
Available for students needing easier catching option
Alternative: Larger foam balls or beach balls
Key Vocabulary
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and body balanced to move quickly in any direction
Protecting your space by being ready to move and catch balls
The area you are responsible for protecting in net and wall games
Throwing the ball with arm swinging up from below, like bowling
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
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