New
New
Year 2

Striking the ball into space to beat an opponent

I can hit the ball accurately with power away from fielders to increase my chance of winning the game.

New
New
Year 2

Striking the ball into space to beat an opponent

I can hit the ball accurately with power away from fielders to increase my chance of winning the game.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: striking the ball with accuracy and power away from fielders, increases the chance of winning the game.
  2. Think: striking into space is essential in order to score points against the opposing team and to win the game.
  3. Feel: striving to improve, even when you make mistakes or don't score points in the game, shows great courage.
  4. Connect: playing by the rules and helping others to improve within the game shows great empathy.

Keywords

  • Winning - scoring more goals or points than your opponents

  • Game - an activity or sport in which people compete with each other according to agreed rules

  • Fielder - defensive position that is occupied while the other team are batting

Common misconception

Pupils swing back and forwards quickly to hit the ball with power but take their eyes off of the ball, causing them to miss it.

Highlight the importance of keeping eyes on the ball to ensure pupils make good contact when hitting it.


To help you plan your year 2 physical education lesson on: Striking the ball into space to beat an opponent, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Using a slightly larger and softer balls when pupils are hitting off of the batting T can support pupils with less developed hand-eye coordination. Have a choice of different bats (tennis, cricket, paddle) available to assist less expereinced players.
Teacher tip

Equipment

30+ cones, 1 rounders/ cricket bat between 5 pupils, 3 tennis balls between 5 pupils, 3 batting tees between 5 pupils

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

4 Questions

Q1.
If you have won points in a game, it means you have what?
missed
Correct answer: scored
won
Q2.
To strike a ball with more power how do you need to move your racket or bat?
slower
Correct answer: faster
downwards
Q3.
What team is an opponent on?
your team
both teams
Correct answer: the opposing team
Q4.
Why should you encourage your teammates in a game?
Correct answer: to help them
to hit further
you shouldn't

4 Questions

Q1.
Why is it important to strike the ball into space during a game?
it is easier
Correct answer: to score points
to help fielders
Q2.
What is the name for a defensive position that is occupied while the other team is batting?
Correct Answer: fielder, fielders, fielding, fielding team, a fielder
Q3.
What should you do with your eyes when swinging, to increase your chances of striking the ball?
close them
Correct answer: watch the ball
watch the fielders
Q4.
How can you show courage if you make a mistake in the game?
Correct answer: strive to improve
give up
blame someone else