Lesson 3 - Bowling Response & Kicking
Striking Game Tactics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we outwit bowlers and fielders by making smart decisions about where to kick the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To outwit bowlers by kicking the ball in different directions based on how it is bowled
- To use both feet effectively when kicking the ball
- To make tactical decisions about ball placement based on fielder positions
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ability to adapt their kicking technique to different types of bowling
- Students will show improved decision-making when placing the ball tactically
- Students will use both feet with increasing confidence and control
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags
Pairs spread around area at varying distances
Alternative: Coloured markers, spot markers
Set up 4 diamond shapes for games
Alternative: Cones, spot markers
Key Vocabulary
To use clever thinking to beat or trick an opponent
Rolling or throwing the ball towards the kicker
Making smart decisions to gain an advantage
The foot you feel most comfortable and accurate using
A player positioned to catch or collect the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic kicking technique using inside of foot
- Understanding of simple striking and fielding games
- Ability to work cooperatively in pairs
Current Skills
- Adapting kicking technique to different bowling styles
- Making tactical decisions about ball placement
- Using both feet effectively for kicking
Next Steps
- Applying tactical kicking in full game situations
- Developing consistent accuracy with both feet
- Understanding advanced fielding positions and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical decision-making is more important than powerful kicking
- Looking at fielder positions before kicking is essential for success
- Both feet can be developed with practice and provide tactical advantages
- Different foot surfaces create different ball directions and can outwit opponents
- Ready position enables quick, controlled responses to varied bowling
- Communication and cooperation enhance learning in partner activities
- Adaptation and problem-solving are key skills in striking and fielding games
Common Misconceptions
- That harder kicks are always better - correct by emphasising accuracy and placement
- That only the dominant foot should be used - correct by demonstrating advantages of both feet
- That the same kicking strategy works in all situations - correct by showing need for adaptation
- That fielders can't be outwitted - correct by demonstrating successful tactical placement
- That ready position is unnecessary - correct by showing improved reaction times
- That bowling style doesn't affect kicking response - correct by practising with varied bowling
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in early stages, extra practice time, simplified instruction steps, peer support partnerships
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available, predictable partner pairings, extra processing time
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of fielder positions, buddy system for spatial awareness, use bell balls for audio cues
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for instructions
physical disability
- Seated kicking variations, shorter distances, adapted balls (larger/softer), allow rolling instead of kicking, modified diamond size
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Geometry - angles and directions for tactical kicking, measurement of distances between cones and fielders, data handling - recording successful vs unsuccessful tactical attempts
Science
Forces - understanding how different foot surfaces create different ball trajectories, friction between ball and surface affecting roll distance, reaction time and decision-making processes
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of relative positions and directions, mapping movements around the playing area
PSHE
Decision-making skills, working cooperatively with partners, showing resilience when learning new skills, demonstrating good sportsmanship in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate around pairs during practice to provide individual feedback, position at corner of diamond games for maximum visibility of all players
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, proper technique application, safe play, and positive interaction between students
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts, provide technique corrections, manage any unsafe play or conflicts
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for foot surface demonstrations, emphasise the decision-making process visually, show positioning relative to fielders
Verbal Cues
- •'Look first, then kick!'
- •'Find the gap!'
- •'Use both feet!'
- •'Think tactically!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple diamonds and pair work
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for kicking activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check soft balls are in good condition with no splits
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate number of balls to prevent disputes
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball collisions between pairs
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Contact during game play
- •Overexertion during activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between pair practice areas
- •Use of soft balls only to reduce impact injury
- •Gradual build-up of intensity throughout lesson
- •Clear rules about controlled movement and spacing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple pairs during skill practice
- •Monitor diamond games for safe play and adherence to rules
- •Watch for signs of fatigue during extended activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for assistance as needed