Lesson 6 - Ball Retrieval and Fielding Skills
Ball Control Basics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can fielders work as a team to stop runs and create exciting games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop ball retrieval skills with increasing accuracy and speed
- To understand the role of a fielder in striking and fielding games
- To apply fielding techniques in game-like situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved ball tracking and stopping techniques
- Students will explain the importance of quick ball retrieval in team games
- Students will show better positioning and readiness as fielders
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread around activity area for boundaries and targets
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks
Store in container at edge of area for easy collection
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties
Check all rackets are appropriate size and in good condition
Alternative: Foam bats, table tennis bats, or hands for hitting
Use for differentiation - larger balls easier to track and catch
Alternative: Larger foam balls for students needing easier tracking
Key Vocabulary
The action of catching, stopping or picking up the ball after it has been hit
Standing with knees bent, weight forward, hands ready to catch
Following the path of the ball with your eyes from bat to fielder
Getting the ball back as quickly as possible
Using both hands together to secure the ball safely
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous units
- Understanding of ready position
- Experience with tracking moving objects
Current Skills
- Ball retrieval techniques
- Fielding positioning and movement
- Quick return skills
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positions
- Tactical fielding in games
- Communication between fielders
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always use two hands when collecting balls for better control and safety
- Ready position with knees bent allows for quick movement in any direction
- Getting behind the ball before collection ensures more successful retrieval
- Throwing the ball back is much faster than running with it
- Tracking the ball with eyes from hit to collection is essential for good fielding
- Good fielding prevents runs and can win games for the team
- Communication between fielders helps everyone know their role
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking fielders just need to catch the ball - emphasise speed of return is equally important
- Believing one-handed catches are better - teach that two hands provide more control and consistency
- Assuming running with the ball is as fast as throwing - demonstrate the time difference clearly
- Thinking fielding is less important than batting - show how good fielding can determine game outcomes
- Believing ready position is just standing still - explain how it prepares body for quick movement in any direction
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of multi-step activities, allow extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if needed for regulation
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured or textured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, assign sighted buddy for activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure student can see teacher clearly, provide written activity cards
physical disability
- Adapt to seated position for ball handling, use larger softer balls, modify distances and targets as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting catches and throws, timing activities, scoring and keeping track of points
Science
Forces and motion - understanding how balls bounce and move, gravity effects on thrown balls
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding directions and positioning relative to other players
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition positively, encouraging others and showing good sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around groups during activities, position at corner during warm-up for maximum visibility of all students
Observation Focus
Watch for correct two-handed catching technique, appropriate ready position, and safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in if students showing poor technique that could lead to injury, or if competitive elements become too intense
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show ready position, demonstrate ball tracking by pointing to eyes then following imaginary ball path
Verbal Cues
- •'Two hands like a crocodile mouth!'
- •'Get behind the ball!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage and appropriate bounce
- •Rackets inspected for cracks or loose strings
- •Cones positioned safely away from activity zones
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during chasing activities
- •Ball strikes to head or body from batting activities
- •Trips and falls during running and sudden direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between groups during batting activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Clear rules about safe equipment handling
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all batting groups simultaneously
- •Move around groups to provide close supervision of racket activities
- •Maintain awareness of student energy levels and emotional responses
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, send for additional help if required