🏏

Lesson 5 - Striking a Ball with Control

Ball Control Basics

•

Year 2

•

Striking & Fielding

•

Big Question

How can we use different body parts and equipment to strike a ball accurately towards our target?

Learning Objectives

To develop the fundamental skill of striking a ball using hands and equipment
To understand the importance of body positioning and eye tracking when striking
To apply striking skills in simple game situations with accuracy and control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled striking using hands and tennis rackets
Students will show improved coordination between eye tracking and hand/racket movement
Students will apply striking skills in partner and small group activities with increasing success

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use for boundaries, targets, and running markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Ensure balls are properly inflated and safe for striking

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or soft play balls

Softballs

Softer option for those needing confidence building

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft practice balls

Tennis Rackets

Check grips are secure and appropriate size for students

Alternative: Short-handled rackets or padder tennis bats

Key Vocabulary

Strike

To hit the ball with purpose using hand or equipment

Side-on stance

Standing with shoulder pointing towards the target

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent and eyes on the ball

Follow-through

Continuing the movement after striking the ball

Fielder

A player who tries to collect and return the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination skills
Understanding of personal space and safety
Experience with ball handling and catching

Current Skills

Striking with hands using different techniques
Using tennis rackets to strike balls
Applying striking skills in game situations

Next Steps

Developing consistent striking technique
Improving accuracy and power in strikes
Understanding tactical placement of strikes

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with moving balls

Improved hand-eye coordination

Beginning to show directional control

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance is crucial for effective striking
Eyes must track the ball from release to contact
Firm hand position with fingers pointing down for control
Follow-through motion helps with accuracy and power
Tactical placement away from fielders creates scoring opportunities
Safe equipment handling and spacing prevents injuries
Encouragement and turn-taking develops positive attitudes

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder strikes are always better - emphasise control over power
Believing you should look where you want the ball to go instead of watching the ball
Assuming face-on stance is more powerful than side-on stance
Thinking striking is just hitting - emphasise the skill and technique involved
Believing only batting matters in games - highlight importance of all roles

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear role definitions in games

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available during games

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball location, arrange buddy support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated striking options, larger/lighter equipment, modified distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between cones, counting points scored, understanding spatial relationships

Science

Understanding forces in striking, trajectory of balls, cause and effect in ball movement

PSHE

Cooperation in partner work, perseverance when skills are challenging, fair play in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct side-on stance, eye tracking, and safe equipment handling

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with timing, safety concerns arise, or equipment issues occur

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for key teaching points, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on stance!'
•'Watch the ball!'
•'Firm hand!'
•'Follow through!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area for full class activities, additional space for group games

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or protruding objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis racket grips are secure and appropriate size
•Verify balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body during striking practice
•Collisions during running activities
•Racket contact with other students
•Trips and falls during backward movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing requirements between pairs and groups
•Specific safety instructions for backward movement
•Controlled striking power appropriate for age group
•Adult supervision of racket use and storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all group activities simultaneously
•Monitor racket handling during transitions
•Check spacing maintained during striking practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical staff if required