Lesson 1 - Feeding the Ball with Consistency
Partnership to Competition
•Year 2
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Different ball types available for students to experience variety
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, sponge balls
Arranged at varying distances from throwing line
Alternative: Markers, spots, or drawn circles
Introduce for advanced students in later activities
Alternative: Table tennis bats, small tennis rackets
For variation in ball characteristics and challenge
Alternative: Playground balls, foam balls
Define activity areas and safety zones
Alternative: Markers or spots
Key Vocabulary
Sending the ball accurately to your partner to help them succeed
Throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing
The hand you naturally use for writing and throwing - your stronger, more skilful hand
The foot that steps forward when throwing - opposite to your throwing hand
The specific area or place where you aim to send the ball
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
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