Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we use different types of passes to score points while moving around defenders?

Learning Objectives

  • To be able to throw and catch a ball accurately
  • To be able to move to catch a ball thrown by a partner
  • To apply throwing and catching skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate throwing using the W-shape hand position
  • Students will move confidently to catch balls thrown in different directions
  • Students will apply throwing and catching skills in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones
30

Distribute around area perimeter and for activity boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Balls
30 (1 per child)

Size 4 playground balls, properly inflated

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for easier catching

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces once before reaching the receiver

W-shape

Hand position for catching and passing with thumbs together and fingers spread

Intercept

To catch or stop a pass intended for another player

Attacker

A player trying to score points or reach targets

Defender

A player trying to stop the attackers from scoring

Space

An empty area on the playing surface away from other players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling skills
  • Simple underarm throwing
  • Static catching with two hands

Current Skills

  • Moving to catch a ball
  • Accurate throwing to a partner
  • Bounce passing technique
  • Basic defending skills

Next Steps

  • Chest passing technique
  • Catching on the move
  • Complex game strategies
  • Overarm throwing

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent catching with two hands
2
Accurate passing over 3-4 metres
3
Successful movement to receive passes
4
Basic understanding of spacing in games

Key Teaching Points

  • Always catch with two hands using the W-shape hand position
  • Watch the ball from release to catch, tracking its flight path
  • Communicate with teammates before passing - ensure eye contact
  • Move to space to support teammates and create passing opportunities
  • In bounce passing, aim for the ball to bounce halfway between passer and receiver
  • When defending, intercept cleanly without physical contact
  • Apply rules consistently - no movement when holding the ball in games

Common Misconceptions

  • One hand catching is acceptable - emphasise two hands always for control and safety
  • Throwing harder makes passes more accurate - teach controlled, aimed passes
  • Looking away while ball travels is fine - stress continuous ball tracking
  • Any type of pass works in games - explain situational passing choices
  • Defenders can grab balls from hands - teach clean interception techniques

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, clear activity boundaries, regular movement opportunities, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
  • Larger softer balls, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, breakdown complex skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule on display, quiet zone available, consistent language and signals
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals for stop/start, demonstrate all instructions clearly, face student when speaking
physical disability
  • Seated passing variations, use larger lighter balls, shorter throwing distances, peer support

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances with steps, patterns in movement sequences

Science

Forces and motion when throwing, trajectory of bounced balls, reaction time concepts

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and movement, mapping pathways around cones

PSHE

Cooperation and team work, following rules, showing respect for others, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities for clear sight lines, position in corners during circle time

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positions, ball tracking, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with W-shape, if safety concerns arise, or when game rules need clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all demonstrations. Hold positions long enough for all students to see. Repeat key demonstrations during activities.

Verbal Cues
  • •'Two hands always!'
  • •'Make the W!'
  • •'Watch the ball!'
  • •'Find the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor or outdoor space, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface free from hazards, dry conditions if outdoors

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check playground balls are properly inflated - not over or under inflated
  • •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • •Balls appropriate size for Year 2 hands

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball impacts to face or head
  • •Collisions between students during movement
  • •Trips over cones during warm-up activities
Risk Mitigation
  • •Emphasise watching the ball at all times
  • •Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
  • •Regular reminders about spatial awareness
  • •Appropriate ball pressure to reduce impact force

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
  • •Move around area during activities
  • •Pay particular attention during 3v1 games for contact
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required