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Lesson 1 - Feeding the Ball with Consistency

Partnership to Competition

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Year 2

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Sending and Receiving

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45 min

Big Question

How can we become more accurate when sending a ball to help our partner succeed?

Learning Objectives

To feed a ball to our partner with consistency using underarm technique
To accurately send a ball to specified areas and targets
To respond to partner feeds and begin simple rally patterns

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent underarm feeding technique
Students will successfully send balls to designated targets with increasing accuracy
Students will work cooperatively in pairs and small groups to maintain rallies

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

1 per student (30)

Different ball types available for students to experience variety

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, sponge balls

Hoops

9 (3 sets of 3 targets)

Arranged at varying distances from throwing line

Alternative: Markers, spots, or drawn circles

Rackets

10-15 (for extension)

Introduce for advanced students in later activities

Alternative: Table tennis bats, small tennis rackets

Volleyballs

3-5

For variation in ball characteristics and challenge

Alternative: Playground balls, foam balls

Cones

Define activity areas and safety zones

Alternative: Markers or spots

Key Vocabulary

Feeding

Sending the ball accurately to your partner to help them succeed

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing

Dominant hand

The hand you naturally use for writing and throwing - your stronger, more skilful hand

Lead leg

The foot that steps forward when throwing - opposite to your throwing hand

Target

The specific area or place where you aim to send the ball

Rally

When partners send the ball back and forth successfully multiple times

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns and following instructions
Experience with different types of balls and equipment

Current Skills

Underarm feeding technique with consistency
Accurate sending to specified targets
Simple rally and return skills
Partner cooperation and communication

Next Steps

Advanced target accuracy and distance control
Introduction of overarm throwing techniques
More complex rally patterns and game situations
Competitive sending and receiving games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball release pointing at target

Appropriate force adjustment for different distances

Smooth underarm swing motion

Successful partner cooperation and turn-taking

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise feeding as helping your partner succeed, not competitive throwing
Break down underarm technique into clear, memorable steps
Use pendulum analogy for smooth, controlled throwing motion
Maintain technique focus even as challenges increase
Celebrate accuracy improvements and cooperative behaviour
Connect different ball types to technique adaptations
Encourage reflection and self-assessment throughout

Common Misconceptions

Thinking feeding means throwing as hard as possible - correct by emphasising accuracy and partner success
Using same foot as throwing hand forward - teach opposite foot rule clearly
Gripping ball too tightly - demonstrate relaxed but secure grip
Looking away from target before release - emphasise continuous eye contact
Competing against partners rather than cooperating - reinforce helping each other succeed
Rushing technique for speed - slow down and focus on quality over quantity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment initially, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time and patience

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide audio cues for direction, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on display

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, modified targets at appropriate heights, alternative grip techniques for limited mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful throws, measuring distances to targets, understanding angles and trajectories

Science

Forces in throwing, gravity effects on ball flight, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Direction and orientation skills, spatial awareness, mapping movement around activity areas

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, supporting others' learning, celebrating personal progress rather than comparison

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, stand centrally for demonstrations, position for safety oversight

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, safety compliance, and positive cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, groups struggle with cooperation, or students show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Always model complete technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use student volunteers for peer demonstration opportunities.

Verbal Cues

•'Smooth pendulum swing!'
•'Point where you want it to go!'
•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls for proper inflation and no damage
•Ensure rackets have secure handles and no cracks
•Confirm targets are stable and appropriately weighted

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Trips over equipment or during retrieval
•Overexertion in throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and movement directions established
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained
•Gentle progression in throwing intensity
•Proper technique taught to reduce strain
•Equipment collection and storage protocols

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activity areas
•Monitor technique to prevent overuse injuries
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

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