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      Striking the ball into space to beat an opponent

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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 (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      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

      To help you plan your 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...