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Lesson 4 - Coordination and Multi-Limb Control

Fitness Discovery & Challenge

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Year 3

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can we train our body and brain to work together more effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop hand-eye coordination through catching and throwing activities
To understand how different body parts work together during movement
To improve bilateral coordination using two balls simultaneously

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved catching technique with tennis balls
Students will successfully coordinate throwing two objects at the same time
Students will explain what coordination means and give examples

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, small foam balls, juggling balls

Cones

30 (various colours if available)

Used for boundaries, targets, and distance markers

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, masking tape

Balls

15 (for differentiation)

Available for students needing larger target/easier catching

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs

Key Vocabulary

Coordination

The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Hand-eye coordination

The ability of the hands and eyes to work together to perform tasks accurately

Bilateral coordination

Using both sides of the body together in a coordinated way

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the hand moves forward and upward from below

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with larger balls
Understanding of ready position and balance
Simple hand-eye coordination activities

Current Skills

Tennis ball catching and throwing
Bilateral coordination with two objects
Moving to catch while maintaining control

Next Steps

Complex multi-ball juggling patterns
Sport-specific coordination skills
Advanced reaction time activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tennis ball catches

Successful two-ball coordination

Improved movement timing and spatial awareness

Key Teaching Points

Coordination improves with practice and requires patience
Ready position is fundamental to all catching and throwing
Visual tracking of the ball is essential for successful catching
Communication between partners enhances cooperation and success
Fair play and honesty are more important than winning
Different difficulty levels allow everyone to succeed
Real-world application extends learning beyond PE lessons

Common Misconceptions

Coordination is only about hand-eye skills (it involves whole body)
Some people can never improve coordination (practice always helps)
Catching is just about hand position (body position and timing crucial)
Competitive games are only about winning (learning and fairness matter more)
Coordination activities are only useful in PE (applies to many life skills)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, movement opportunities throughout, immediate feedback and praise for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, step-by-step instruction breakdown, success criteria adjusted

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, reduced sensory input options like softer balls

visual impairment

Use bright yellow or orange tennis balls, provide audio cues for catching, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile boundaries with rope

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for 'swipe' commands, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, seated catching activities, modified throwing distances, peer support for equipment handling

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using coordination vocabulary accurately, explaining concepts clearly to others

Maths

Counting successful catches, measuring distances between partners, timing activities, calculating success rates

Science

Understanding nervous system response, reaction times, how practice improves neural pathways, physics of ball bouncing

PSHE

Cooperation and fair play, managing frustration when catching is difficult, encouraging others, honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position at corner for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for coordination development, catching technique improvement, and cooperation between partners

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with coordination concepts, unsafe throwing, or unfair play

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating. Show both correct and incorrect technique for comparison. Involve confident students in demonstrations.

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Ready position - knees bent!'
•'Gentle throw to help your partner succeed!'
•'Use both hands to catch!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor hard surface

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls in good condition without cracks
•Cones with no sharp edges or breaks
•Adequate equipment for all students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Tennis balls hitting students
•Collisions during competitive games
•Slips when moving to catch
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between groups
•Controlled throwing speeds emphasised
•Partners check readiness before throwing
•Adequate spacing maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building reduces injury risk

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor throwing speeds and distances
•Watch for fatigue during extended activities
•Ensure fair play and good sportsmanship

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek medical attention if needed