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Big Question

How can we use space effectively when sending and receiving to outwit our opponents?

Learning Objectives

  • Develop accurate throwing into space to challenge opponents
  • Improve seated throwing and catching techniques with control
  • Apply collaborative teamwork skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when throwing into space
  • Students will show controlled seated throwing and catching movements
  • Students will work effectively as a team to defend and attack in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
12-15 balls (4-5 per game area)

Distribute balls evenly across three game areas

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or tennis balls for control practice

Gym Mats
3 (one per biscuit tin)

Place centrally in each team's defensive area

Alternative: Hoops, buckets, or marked floor areas

Cones
12-15 cones

Mark boundaries for three separate game areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Space

An empty area on the court where opponents cannot easily reach the ball

Seated position

Sitting with bottom in contact with the floor, maintaining core stability

Defending

Protecting your target or space from opponents' attacks

Target

The area or object you are aiming to hit with your throw

Leverage

Using your body position to generate more power in your throw

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic throwing and catching with two hands
  • Understanding of taking turns and simple game rules
  • Ability to sit safely and maintain balance

Current Skills

  • Throwing accurately into space to challenge opponents
  • Seated throwing and catching with improved control
  • Working collaboratively in competitive team situations

Next Steps

  • Applying sending and receiving skills in more complex game situations
  • Developing tactical awareness in invasion games
  • Leading and coaching peers in game activities

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy when throwing into undefended space
2
Smooth seated throwing action with core stability
3
Clear communication and support of teammates during games

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain bottom contact with floor at all times during seated play
  • Throw into space rather than directly at defenders to create scoring opportunities
  • Use core muscles for stability and power when throwing from seated position
  • Communication is essential for effective defensive teamwork
  • Apply variety of throwing techniques strategically based on game situation

Common Misconceptions

  • Believing that throwing harder automatically makes it more difficult for opponents to defend
  • Thinking that rising onto knees provides better throwing position than proper seated technique
  • Assuming that individual skill is more important than team communication and strategy
  • Misunderstanding that catching after second bounce still prevents opponent from scoring

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, offer movement breaks between activities, use positive behaviour reinforcement strategies
dyspraxia
  • Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, provide extra time for skill practice, offer hand-over-hand guidance for technique, celebrate effort over accuracy
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish consistent routines and rules, offer quiet break space if needed, use social stories to explain game concepts
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls and mats, provide verbal descriptions of spatial setup, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use sound cues for ball location
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals for game rules, ensure students can see teacher's face when speaking, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Adapt seated position for wheelchair users, allow use of ramps or assistive devices for throwing, modify throwing distances as needed, focus on upper body strength development

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, calculating team totals, measuring distances for throwing, understanding angles and trajectories

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, gravity affecting ball flight, friction between body and floor during seated movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and coordinates on playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, showing respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with ability to see all game areas, move between groups to provide individual coaching

Observation Focus

Technical development of seated throwing, tactical awareness in game situations, positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, when students need technical assistance, when team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key movements for clarity, sit alongside students to demonstrate techniques, use positive body language to encourage effort

Verbal Cues
  • •'Core tight like wearing a belt!'
  • •'Find the space, not the player!'
  • •'Communicate with your team!'
  • •'Bottom stays down!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall space to accommodate three separate game areas with safe buffer zones

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for seated movement without causing discomfort or friction burns

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Use only soft, non-sting balls to prevent injury during seated play
  • •Check mats are clean and flat to prevent tripping
  • •Ensure cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible
  • •Verify adequate ball inflation - not too hard or too soft

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collision between students during competitive games
  • •Strain injury from overenthusiastic seated movement
  • •Ball strikes to face during catching practice
  • •Falls when transitioning to/from seated position
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundary marking between game areas
  • •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
  • •Teaching proper catching technique with two hands
  • •Supervised transitions with focus on safe positioning

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to observe all three game areas simultaneously
  • •Monitor for students rising onto knees unsafely
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe movement
  • •Ensure positive competitive atmosphere without aggression
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if necessary, calm other students and resume when safe