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Big Question

How can we improve our rolling accuracy to hit targets with both hands?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop rolling technique using both dominant and non-dominant hands
  • To improve accuracy when rolling balls towards targets
  • To understand how stance and body position affect rolling success

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved rolling technique with both hands
  • Students will show increased accuracy when aiming at targets
  • Students will understand the importance of correct stance and follow-through

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Cones
16 (4 per group for NESW activity)

Small squares in centre of each group circle

Alternative: Markers, spots

Shuttles
6-8

Placed midway between opposing groups

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam targets

Dish Cones
2-4 lines

5 metres from skittles for rolling zones

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Rolling

Sending a ball along the ground towards a target using an underarm action

Stance

The position of your feet and body when preparing to roll

Accuracy

How close your ball gets to where you were aiming

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill with good form

Follow-through

Continuing the rolling motion after releasing the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling skills
  • Understanding of gentle throwing and catching
  • Awareness of personal space during activities

Current Skills

  • Rolling with correct technique using both hands
  • Developing accuracy towards targets
  • Understanding stance and body positioning

Next Steps

  • Rolling at moving targets
  • Combining rolling with other target game skills
  • Playing structured target games with rules

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent ball release at ground level
2
Appropriate stance with opposite foot forward
3
Improved accuracy over lesson duration

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise smooth, controlled rolling action rather than throwing
  • Encourage equal practice with both dominant and non-dominant hands
  • Focus on stance and stepping technique for accuracy improvement
  • Develop self-assessment skills through reflection activities
  • Promote teamwork and cooperation throughout all activities
  • Maintain safe distances and controlled speeds in all rolling activities
  • Celebrate effort and improvement over absolute performance

Common Misconceptions

  • Throwing the ball instead of rolling - demonstrate ground contact throughout
  • Using same stance for both hands - show how to adapt stance for non-dominant hand
  • Rushing to retrieve balls - emphasise safety and control over speed
  • Focusing only on dominant hand - encourage equal practice opportunities
  • Comparing personal performance to others - promote individual improvement focus

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for following instructions
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in activities, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine and structure, visual schedule if helpful, quiet reflection space available
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, visual cues for game rules
physical disability
  • Adapted rolling from seated position if needed, modified distances, use of larger or adapted balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful hits and team scores, measuring distances for rolling lines, understanding directions (NESW)

Science

Forces and motion - how rolling force affects ball movement, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Compass directions in NESW activity, spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honesty in self-assessment, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around all groups to observe technique and provide feedback, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stance, rolling technique, accuracy development, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe ball speeds, ensure fair turn-taking, provide individual technique support

Demonstration Notes

Show exaggerated technique for clarity, use successful students as examples, demonstrate both hands equally

Verbal Cues
  • •'Smooth rolling action!'
  • •'Step forward with opposite foot!'
  • •'Gentle release!'
  • •'Eyes on target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 15m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate space between groups

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Soft balls only - check for damage before use
  • •Cones and skittles stable and visible
  • •Equipment stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball collisions between groups
  • •Slips during running and ball retrieval
  • •Contact with stationary equipment
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries between activity groups
  • •Controlled rolling speeds emphasised
  • •Safe ball retrieval procedures established
  • •Adequate spacing maintained throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for visibility of all groups
  • •Monitor ball speeds and technique safety
  • •Ensure distance rules followed in skittles game
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear safe path for any assistance needed