Lesson 2 - Defending Targets & Kicking
Striking Basics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use smart kicking to defend my target and score the most points?
Learning Objectives
- To kick a bowled ball away from stumps to defend a target
- To make strategic choices about cone selection and sprint effectively to score points
- To recognise optimal kicking directions to maximise run scoring
Key Outcomes
- Students will accurately kick balls away from targets under pressure
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in cone selection and running
- Students will show improved decision-making in kicking direction
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around playing area for quick retrieval
Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls if large soft balls unavailable
Place in centre of each group's playing area
Alternative: Button cones, plastic bottles, or tall markers
Place one of each colour in corners of playing areas
Alternative: Coloured markers, hoops, or chalk circles
Scattered around each group area at varying distances
Alternative: Markers, hoops, or ground spots
Key Vocabulary
The target posts that the kicker must defend from the ball
The player who rolls the ball along the ground to the kicker
Protecting your stumps by kicking the ball away from them
Players who collect the ball and try to return it to the stumps
Choosing where to kick the ball to give yourself the best chance to score points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic kicking technique with stationary balls
- Understanding of simple target games
- Experience running to markers in sequence
Current Skills
- Defending targets through strategic kicking
- Making quick tactical decisions under pressure
- Coordinating kicking accuracy with running speed
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positioning strategies
- Complex multi-directional running patterns
- Introduction to batting techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Strategic kick placement is more important than power
- Defending stumps must happen before attempting to score
- Observation of fielder positions leads to better tactical decisions
- Communication and teamwork enhance fielding effectiveness
- Comparing different approaches (kicking vs hitting) develops analytical thinking
- Safe movement and equipment handling must be maintained throughout
- Tactical awareness develops through experimentation and reflection
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Kicking harder always leads to more points' - Correction: Show examples of controlled placement leading to better scoring opportunities
- Misconception: 'Fielders should all chase the ball together' - Correction: Demonstrate effective positioning and communication strategies
- Misconception: 'Standing close to stumps makes defence easier' - Correction: Show optimal positioning for effective defence
- Misconception: 'The same tactics work regardless of field layout' - Correction: Demonstrate need to adapt to different cone positions
- Misconception: 'Running immediately after kicking is always best' - Correction: Show importance of assessing fielder positions first
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, reduced complexity in tactical decisions initially, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson phases, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and predictable structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game starts/stops, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques
physical disability
- Seated rolling version for wheelchair users, modified distances for reduced mobility, alternative scoring methods if running difficult
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points scored, comparing scores between lessons, calculating total team scores, measuring distances to cones
Science
Forces involved in kicking and ball movement, friction between ball and ground, reaction times and reflexes
Geography
Directional language (left, right, behind, in front), spatial awareness, understanding of angles and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when tactics don't work, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all groups, move between groups during activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Tactical decision-making, ball contact quality, safety awareness, team cooperation and communication
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts, if safety issues arise, or if group dynamics need support
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show tactical thinking process aloud, involve students in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Look for gaps where fielders aren't standing!'
- •'Kick to defend first, then run smart!'
- •'Great tactical thinking - you spotted that gap!'
- •'Work together fielders - communicate who's getting the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m per group, clear of obstacles and boundaries. Multiple group areas needed.
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas. Check for adequate grip for running and kicking.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only - check for wear and tear before use
- •Stumps or markers stable and won't tip over during play
- •Cones placed safely away from boundaries and walls
- •No sharp edges on any equipment
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during running phases
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion in competitive phases
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each group area
- •Adequate spacing between groups to prevent crossover
- •Controlled pace during warm-up to prevent early fatigue
- •Soft balls only and underarm bowling technique required
- •Regular hydration breaks during longer activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
- •Move between groups during activities to monitor safety
- •Pay special attention during competitive phases for fair play
- •Monitor exertion levels and provide rest as needed
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess, appropriate first aid/support. Have first aid kit accessible. Know location of nearest qualified first aider.