New
New
Year 1

Pushing a ball using a racket/bat with control

I can push the ball with control using a racket to avoid defenders.

New
New
Year 1

Pushing a ball using a racket/bat with control

I can push the ball with control using a racket to avoid defenders.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: pushing a ball with the racket requires tapping the ball forwards, keeping close control while avoiding defenders.
  2. Think: if we get too close to the defenders, they may steal the ball.
  3. Feel: continuing to try hard, even when losing control of the ball and giving away possession, shows courage.
  4. Connect: gratitude helps us to play by the rules and support others to improve.

Keywords

  • Pushing - moving a ball with your racket

  • Control - keeping the ball close and moving it where you want it to go

  • Defender - the player or person responsible for stopping the opposition (attackers) from scoring

Common misconception

When introducing defenders, pupils often neglect technique and moving with close control.

Remind pupils to use gentle, small touches when moving with their ball.


To help you plan your year 1 physical education lesson on: Pushing a ball using a racket/bat with control, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils put their racket on their ball or their ball on their racket when putting it down to perform the star jumps which will stop balls rolling across the playing area. Model to the pupils how to steal a loose ball without tackling.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 ball per pupil, 1 racket per pupil, 30+ floor markers, bibs.

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).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Why should you use gentle tapping when pushing the ball forward?
Correct answer: for close control
for top speed
for bigger hits
Q2.
What word describes moving a ball along the floor with a racket?
bouncing
kicking
Correct answer: pushing
Q3.
Why is it important to concentrate when pushing a ball with a racket?
Correct answer: to keep control
because it's fun
to get tackled
Q4.
How can you show courage when taking part in an activity?
giving up easily
Correct answer: trying new ideas
trying a little

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What’s the name for the player whose role it is to stop the opposition scoring?
Correct answer: defender
attacker
referee
Q2.
What will help you avoid defenders when dribbling your ball?
using big hits
Correct answer: using gentle touches
dribbling towards defenders
Q3.
What might a defender do if you get too close to them?
run away
talk to you
Correct answer: steal your ball
Q4.
When you continue to try hard and don’t give up, what are you showing?
Correct answer: courage
speed
control