Hitting/striking a ball into a space
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can hit the ball accurately into space in order to score points.
Key learning points
- Move: to hit the ball into space, we have to strike the ball with the racket, pointing the racket head at the space.
- Move: overarm throws into space require stepping into the throw and rotating the body to throw over a greater distance.
- Think: hitting the ball into a space allows us to score points against our opponent.
- Feel: choosing to use the racket to hit the ball when hitting into space instead of throwing the ball shows courage.
- Connect: encouraging our teammates when they make a mistake demonstrates empathy.
Keywords
Opponent - a person or team we are playing against in a game situation
Score - the number of points, goals, runs, etc., that each player or team has in a game
Space - an open area where your opponent isn't standing
Common misconception
Many pupils stand too close or too far away from the ball which makes it hard for them to strike the ball effectively.
Encourage pupils to stand roughly an arm's distance away from the ball in a well-balanced stance.
Teacher tip
Using a larger /softer ball can support pupils with their hand-eye coordination and help them feel more successful in the game. If batting tees are not available, pupils can drop and hit the ball.
Equipment
1 racket between 5 pupils, 4 balls between 5 pupils, 1 tee between 5 pupils, 30+ cones, 1 hoop between 5 pupils.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is one way you can aim at a target?
Q2.Attempting to make a hard shot to beat your opponent requires what?
Q3.Scoring points requires hitting the ball with power and accuracy away from what?
Q4.Working together to hit the ball back and forth requires what?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do you call a person or team that you are playing against in a game situation?
Q2.Hitting the ball into space, when playing against an opponent, increases the chance of what?
Q3.What might happen if you stand too close to the ball when preparing to strike it?
Q4.If a teammate makes a mistake, what can you do to help them not to give up?
To help you plan your 2 physical education lesson on: Hitting/striking a ball into a space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 physical education lesson on: Hitting/striking a ball into a space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 1 physical education lessons from the Ball skills: hitting and striking unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.