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Lesson 5 - Speed Stacking Skills

Teamwork & Creative Problem-Solving

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Year 2

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How does repetition help us become better at challenging activities?

Learning Objectives

Learn beginner competition speed stacking to improve performance through repetition
Practise and repeat recognising that repetition helps us to improve performance
Improve accuracy through repetition and understand how practice makes perfect

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved speed stacking technique through repeated practice
Students will compete fairly against themselves and others while showing good sportsmanship
Students will explain why repetition helps improve performance in physical activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Perforated Cups

3 sets of 12 cups (enough for groups of 3-4)

Pre-arranged in sets of 12 cups per group station

Alternative: Plastic cups or yoghurt pots if speed stacking cups unavailable

Stopwatch

1 per group (8-10 total)

Ensure all are reset to zero before lesson begins

Alternative: Mobile phone timers or class timer on whiteboard

Small Balls

1 per group (8-10 total)

Check all balls are in good condition and appropriate size

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft playground balls

Hoops

4 per group (32-40 total)

Space hoops 2 metres apart in straight lines

Alternative: Chalk circles on playground or rope circles

Cones

16 total

Mark start and finish lines clearly for each group area

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or masking tape

Key Vocabulary

Speed Stacking

A sport where participants stack special cups in specific sequences as quickly as possible

Up Stack

Building the cups into a pyramid shape from bottom to top

Down Stack

Taking apart the pyramid and nesting the cups back together

Repetition

Doing the same action many times to get better at it

Accuracy

Being precise and getting something exactly right

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination from previous lessons
Understanding of taking turns and fair play
Experience with simple competitive activities

Current Skills

3-3-3 speed stacking technique
Self-improvement through repetition
Competitive behaviour and sportsmanship

Next Steps

More complex speed stacking patterns
Advanced competition formats
Leadership roles in organising competitions

Milestone Indicators

Smooth cup handling without sticking

Consistent improvement in timed attempts

Positive competitive attitude

Key Teaching Points

Speed stacking cups must be held from the sides, never the top, to prevent sticking
Repetition creates muscle memory - the more we practice, the better our body remembers
Personal improvement is more important than comparing with others
Accuracy in rolling comes from adjusting force based on previous attempts
Cooperative competition means supporting teammates while trying your best
The 3-3-3 stack sequence must follow left-to-right pattern for both up and down stacking
Gentle handling and smooth movements are more effective than force and speed

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Faster always means better. Correction: Smooth technique often produces better times than rushing
Misconception: Some people are just naturally good and don't need practice. Correction: Everyone improves through repetition
Misconception: If I miss the target, I'm bad at the activity. Correction: Missing helps us learn how to adjust and improve
Misconception: Speed stacking is just about stacking fast. Correction: It requires technique, coordination and practice
Misconception: Competition means trying to make others fail. Correction: Good competition means everyone trying their best together

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement between activities, clear activity boundaries, regular check-ins for understanding, celebration of small improvements

dyspraxia

Simplified stacking patterns initially, larger equipment for easier handling, extra demonstration time, focus on personal progress

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, predictable timing patterns

visual impairment

Use contrasting coloured cups for speed stacking, provide verbal descriptions of hoop positions, buddy system for rolling activities

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instructions available, clear visual signals for timing starts

physical disability

Adapted stacking from seated position, modified rolling distances, alternative fitness exercises suitable for mobility needs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with technical terms, explaining reasoning about repetition and improvement, following multi-step instructions

Maths

Counting down in pyramid structure (5-4-3-2-1), measuring distances for hoop placement, timing and comparing personal records

Science

Understanding how practice changes our brain and muscles, forces and motion in ball rolling, cause and effect in accuracy

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience when activities are challenging, cooperation and support in team activities, setting personal goals

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate between groups during practice, ensure visibility of all students

Observation Focus

Technique development in speed stacking, accuracy improvement in rolling, positive competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students become frustrated, correct unsafe technique, redirect negative competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, repeat key techniques, model positive reactions to mistakes

Verbal Cues

•'Sides of the cups, not the top!'
•'Soft hands, smooth movements!'
•'Think about your last roll!'
•'Practice makes progress!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or playground area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for rolling balls and kneeling safely

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check speed stacking cups for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure balls are appropriate size and not too hard
•Verify hoops are flat and stable on surface

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips from ball rolling under feet
•Collision between students in different groups
•Frustration from competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear group boundaries established and maintained
•Balls collected immediately after each attempt
•Emphasis on personal improvement over winning
•Supervised kneeling exercise on soft surface

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during rolling activities
•Monitor competitive intensity during races
•Support students showing frustration or difficulty

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if needed