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Lesson 5 - Catching Skills

Ball Mastery Techniques

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Year 2

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Sending and Receiving

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Big Question

How can we use our hands, eyes and feet together to catch a ball successfully?

Learning Objectives

To develop two-handed catching technique with increased accuracy
To catch balls both after one bounce and without a bounce
To apply catching skills in partner activities and simple games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved catching technique using two hands with wide fingers
Students will successfully catch balls from different heights and distances
Students will work cooperatively with a partner to complete catching challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Scattered around teaching area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for beginners

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Placed around area with 3-metre spacing between each

Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, rope circles

Small Balls

10 (for extension)

Available for advanced students requiring extra challenge

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft play balls

Key Vocabulary

Catching

Using hands to stop and control a moving ball

Ready position

Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready

Wide fingers

Spreading fingers apart to create a larger catching surface

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes as it moves

Underarm pass

Throwing the ball below shoulder height with an underhand motion

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and control
Understanding of personal space
Simple throwing and rolling skills

Current Skills

Two-handed catching technique
Tracking moving objects with eyes
Positioning body for successful catches

Next Steps

Catching while running at speed
One-handed catching for advanced students
Catching in competitive game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching after one bounce

Successful catches without bounce

Effective partner cooperation

Key Teaching Points

Always watch the ball from release to catch
Use two hands with wide fingers to create large catching surface
Maintain ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent
Move feet to position body in line with incoming ball
Pull ball into body after catching for secure control
Communicate with partner - check they're ready before throwing
Practice makes permanent - focus on technique over speed

Common Misconceptions

Students think they should catch with fingertips only - teach cupped hands
Belief that looking away will help them catch - emphasise continuous ball watching
Assumption that standing still is best - teach importance of moving to ball
Thinking harder throws are better - emphasise gentle, accurate passes
Misconception that one-handed catching is easier - reinforce two-handed technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks, offer specific role assignments

dyspraxia

Use larger balls initially, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps, offer hand-over-hand guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet practice space, use social stories for partner work

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball position, utilise sound-making balls where available

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt catching height, use larger/lighter balls, allow seated catching practice, modify distance requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, communication in partner work

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, gravity effects on bouncing, eye-hand coordination

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, handling success and failure positively, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal view of all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper catching technique, eye contact with ball, and safe spacing

Intervention Points

Step in if students show poor technique, unsafe behaviour, or need confidence building

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from position where all students can see, use slow motion for technique, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball!'
•'Catching hands ready!'
•'Soft knees, wide fingers!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure hoops lie flat and have no sharp edges
•Confirm adequate equipment for class size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gentle throws and controlled movements
•Maintain adequate spacing between students and pairs
•Use appropriate ball size and type for age group
•Clear communication of boundaries and movement patterns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during activities
•Monitor closely during partner work for cooperation
•Watch for students struggling and provide immediate support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if necessary