New
New
Year 1

Pushing a ball with a racket/bat into space

I can dribble the ball into space using my racket to avoid defenders.

New
New
Year 1

Pushing a ball with a racket/bat into space

I can dribble the ball into space using my racket to avoid defenders.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: pushing a ball with control using the head of the racket enables you to change direction and keep possession
  2. Think: concentration can help us dribble the ball into space to keep possession and avoid defenders.
  3. Feel: challenging yourself to keep the ball as close as possible when faced with defenders requires courage.
  4. Connect: playing by the rules and encouraging others to respect the rules develops a sense of fairness.

Keywords

  • Possession - the team in control of the ball

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

  • Concentration - paying close attention to a given task

Common misconception

When moving into space and away from defenders, pupils panic and rush which causes them to lose control of their ball.

Highlight the importance of always moving with control, even if it means moving a little slower at first.


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

In the first learning cycle, pair the pupils accroding to their expereince and ability, and use different sized balls to offer different levels of challenge.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 racket per pupil, 1 ball per pupil, 30+ floor markers, 30+ cones, 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.
What is a defender's main role in a game?
to score points
to pass accurately
Correct answer: stop the opposition
Q2.
What are you dribbling with when you keep the ball close to you?
Correct answer: close control
hard touches
big pushes
Q3.
What can make it easier for a defender to steal your ball?
being far away
Correct answer: being too close
dribbling with control
Q4.
What can you get by supporting others?
more points
Correct answer: gratitude
close control

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What can pushing the ball with control help you to do?
tackle
pass accurately
Correct answer: change direction
Q2.
What can happen if you rush, when moving with your ball, away from defenders and into space?
Correct answer: you lose control
better control
you will win
Q3.
When a team has possession, what do they have?
Correct answer: the ball
their racket
more points
Q4.
When you follow the rules and encourage others to do the same, what are you demonstrating?
control
Correct answer: fairness
speed