Games 2 - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of a Year 2 athletics programme focusing on Games, the aim is for the children to complete and perform net type activities with control. The lesson's success is measured by the pupils' ability to feel comfortable using a tennis racket, control a moving ball with it, and hit the ball towards targets. Key vocabulary includes terms such as control, racket, forehand, backhand, grip, and side-on. The equipment needed for this lesson consists of cones, tennis rackets, tennis balls, soft balls, and benches. The warm-up activity involves pupils working in groups to transfer balls between cones while moving sideways, emphasising balance and control, with variations and extensions to challenge them further.

The main part of the lesson consists of six 'Net & Wall Stations' activities, each lasting 4-5 minutes before the groups rotate. These activities include rebounding a ball off a bench, aiming to flip cones with a ball, catching a dropped ball, navigating a slalom with a ball balanced on the racket, passing a ball along a line of rackets, and hitting the ball back and forth without letting it touch the ground. Key teaching points include correct racket grip, standing side-on when hitting the ball, and maintaining close control. The lesson concludes with a 'Simon Says Tennis!' cool-down where pupils mimic tennis movements on command. This structured approach aims to improve the children's racket skills through a series of fun and engaging activities.