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Lesson 5 - Striking and Accuracy

Precision & Target Challenges

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Year 2

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Target Games

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1h 10min

Big Question

How can we use different striking techniques to hit targets accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop striking skills using various implements (tennis racket, unihoc stick, cricket bat)
To improve accuracy when aiming at targets
To understand the key components of effective striking technique

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved striking technique with side-on stance and eye on ball
Students will hit targets with increasing accuracy using different implements
Students will explain what makes a good strike and recognise this in themselves and others

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

Check all have secure handles and no damage

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, foam paddles

Unihoc Sticks

Appropriate length for Year 2 students

Alternative: Hockey sticks (plastic), foam noodles

Cricket Equipment

Size 2 or 3 cricket bats suitable for this age

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats

Tennis Balls

Mix of new and slightly used for consistency

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for lower ability

Softballs

For safety during dodgeball games

Alternative: Sponge balls, large foam balls

Cones

Various colours for different activities

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, skittles

Tees

Height adjustable for different students

Alternative: Traffic cones turned upside down, adjustable tees

Shuttles

Stable base to prevent easy toppling

Alternative: Plastic bottles filled with sand, foam skittles

Mats

Clear marking for batting positions

Alternative: Chalk marks, masking tape circles

Key Vocabulary

Striking

Hitting a ball with a bat, racket or stick

Side-on stance

Standing with your side facing the target, not front-on

Backswing

The movement of the bat/racket backwards before hitting

Follow-through

Continuing the movement after hitting the ball

Target

The area or object you are aiming to hit

Accuracy

How close your strike comes to hitting the target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing skills
Simple hand-eye coordination activities
Understanding of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Side-on striking stance
Eye tracking and ball watching
Backswing and follow-through technique
Target accuracy and power control

Next Steps

Advanced striking in game situations
Fielding and team tactics
Competitive target games with rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent side-on stance without prompting

Striking ball on target 3 out of 5 attempts

Can explain technique to others clearly

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance is fundamental for all striking - shoulder to target
Eye contact with ball throughout swing - don't look at target during strike
Smooth backswing and follow-through creates power and accuracy
Start with technique before adding power - control first
Use questioning to check understanding of striking principles
Encourage self and peer assessment throughout lesson
Safety first - soft balls only when striking at people

Common Misconceptions

Standing front-on gives more power - actually reduces accuracy and control
Looking at target while striking helps aim - takes eye off ball and reduces contact
Hitting harder always gives better results - technique and timing more important
All sports use same striking technique - different implements need adapted techniques

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles in games

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routines in activities, visual schedule of lesson, quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for technique, larger targets, buddy system for games

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders

physical disability

Adapted equipment sizes, seated striking options, modified distances, alternative scoring

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for striking, counting successful targets, calculating scores in games

Science

Forces and motion in striking, trajectory of balls, balance and coordination

Geography

Compass directions in warm-up, understanding of angles and directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty, self-reflection and goal setting

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups actively, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for side-on stance adoption, eye contact with ball, smooth swing technique

Intervention Points

Step in when technique deteriorates, safety concerns arise, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points, involve skilled students in modelling

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on stance!'
•'Eye on the ball!'
•'Smooth swing through!'
•'Well struck!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area minimum 20m x 15m for multiple groups

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, even flooring throughout

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all striking implements for damage before use
•Ensure soft balls used for all dodging/striking games
•Verify batting tees are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during compass point crossing
•Ball strikes during dodgeball activities
•Equipment damage causing injury
•Overcrowded striking areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe spacing established
•Soft balls only for striking at students
•One person striking at a time in small groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor equipment use for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary