Games 2 - Lesson 5

In Year 2's Games 2 Lesson 5, the goal is to enhance pupils' abilities in striking and gathering skills within an athletic context. To achieve success, children must be able to assume the long barrier position, adeptly stop and gather a moving ball using various techniques, and actively participate in a small-sided striking and fielding game. The key terms for this lesson include 'long barrier', 'body behind the ball', 'striking', 'fielding', and 'gathering'. To facilitate the activities, the necessary equipment comprises cones, tennis balls, beanbags, batting T's, and tennis rackets or cricket bats. The warm-up activity, named 'Train Carriages', involves pupils working in groups of four to follow a leader in a line, swapping positions and collecting beanbags on command, encouraging spatial awareness and coordination.

The main part of the lesson, which lasts for 30 minutes, consists of several exercises designed to practice gathering balls and striking. Pupils work in pairs to complete tasks such as using the long barrier technique to stop a rolling ball, catching balls after rotating around their partner, aiming throws at a cone, and rolling balls through their partner’s legs. These activities are intended to teach pupils how to position their bodies effectively and track the ball's movement. Additionally, the '6-Tee Smash' game divides the class into strikers and fielders, with strikers hitting balls off batting T's and catching beanbags, while fielders gather and return balls. The lesson wraps up with the 'Centre Line' cool-down, where pupils aim to roll their ball past a line of cones and score points for their team. Throughout the lesson, pupil discussions focus on the techniques learned, the importance of body positioning, and the definition of 'gathering' in the context of the game.