Lesson 5 - Striking and Accuracy
Precision & Target Challenges
•Year 2
•Target Games
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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
Check all have secure handles and no damage
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, foam paddles
Appropriate length for Year 2 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks (plastic), foam noodles
Size 2 or 3 cricket bats suitable for this age
Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats
Mix of new and slightly used for consistency
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for lower ability
For safety during dodgeball games
Alternative: Sponge balls, large foam balls
Various colours for different activities
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, skittles
Height adjustable for different students
Alternative: Traffic cones turned upside down, adjustable tees
Stable base to prevent easy toppling
Alternative: Plastic bottles filled with sand, foam skittles
Clear marking for batting positions
Alternative: Chalk marks, masking tape circles
Key Vocabulary
Hitting a ball with a bat, racket or stick
Standing with your side facing the target, not front-on
The movement of the bat/racket backwards before hitting
Continuing the movement after hitting the ball
The area or object you are aiming to hit
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
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