Games 2 - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of the Games 2 series for Year 1, the objective is to develop rhythm in throwing and striking a ball. The success of the lesson is measured by the pupils' ability to strike both rolled and thrown balls, demonstrate the correct grip and body position, and work effectively with a partner. The key vocabulary includes terms such as striking, hitting, underarm, throwing, and sideways. To facilitate the lesson, a variety of equipment is required, including cones, tennis balls, soft balls, tennis rackets, and hoops. The warm-up activity involves tennis ball shuttles, where pupils in groups collect tennis balls from cones and return them to a hoop, practising coordination and speed, with variations such as using the non-dominant hand or completing self-catches before placing the ball in the hoop.

The main part of the lesson, which lasts for 30 minutes, consists of a series of challenges designed to enhance pupils' striking and throwing skills. These challenges include 'Throw to Throw', 'Rolling Rally', and 'Bounce - Hit - Catch', which require pupils to use rackets to strike balls under varying conditions while maintaining the correct body positioning and grip. The 'Conveyor Belt' activity has pupils continuously hit balls thrown by their partners, with periodic rotations to face new partners. This activity focuses on correct racket handling and body positioning, with extensions like increasing the distance between pairs or using overarm throws. The lesson concludes with a 'Catching By Numbers' cool-down, where pupils in groups complete a set number of catches before sitting down, with options to extend the challenge by using smaller balls or increasing the circle size.