Developing Ball Skills

Overview

This 50-minute lesson introduces Year 4 SEN students to foundational volleyball ball skills, emphasising engagement, coordination, and teamwork. Activities are designed to build confidence, motor skills, and social interaction, aligned with the National Curriculum for England’s Physical Education requirements.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2 – Physical Education

• Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
• Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and combination.
• Play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.
• Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
• Understand how to improve in different physical activities and sports.
• Learn the importance of rules, fair play and respect for others.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic volleyball ball control skills: underarm passing, catching, and rolling.
• Respond appropriately to visual and auditory cues during activities.
• Show improved hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness with a ball.
• Work cooperatively with peers, showing patience and respect during group activities.

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Resources

• Soft, lightweight volleyballs or foam balls
• Cones to mark activity zones
• Low-height nets or string for volley targets (optional)
• Visual aids with step-by-step illustrations of skills
• Auditory cue system (e.g., bell or whistle)
• Floor markers for positioning

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome & Warm-up (8 minutes)

• Activity: “Balloon Tap” game
  • Each student has a lightweight ball and taps it continuously using two hands, aiming not to drop it.
  • Teacher encourages gentle eye contact and counting taps aloud in sequence to develop concentration.
• Purpose: Develop focus, hand-eye coordination, and prepare muscles for movement.

2. Introduction to Volleyball Ball Skills (10 minutes)

• Focus Skill: Underarm Passing (Bump) and Catching
• Step-by-step Explanation:
  • Show visual aid of correct posture: knees slightly bent, arms together forming a platform for bumping.
  • Demonstrate underarm pass.
  • Cue students to imitate posture without the ball first (mirror activity).
• Activity: “Paired Passing”
  • In pairs, students practice gentle underarm passing and catching with foam balls.
  • Use enlarged balls where helpful for ease of handling.
  • Teacher uses positive reinforcement and individual physical support if needed.

3. Skill Development with Variation (15 minutes)

• Activity Stations (3 stations, 5 minutes each):

  • Station 1: Rolling Precision – roll the ball towards a cone target marked on the floor; focus on control and aim.
  • Station 2: Catch and Clap – throw gently to partner, catch, then clap once before passing back. Builds timing and coordination.
  • Station 3: Underarm Pass Rally – small group challenge to keep the ball going over a low net or string, encouraging teamwork and communication.

• Teacher rotates between stations, offering catch phrases like “Watch the ball!”, “Show me your ready arms!”, and encouragement badges (stickers or stamps).

4. Cool Down & Reflection (7 minutes)

• Activity: Group circle, seated or standing
  • Simple stretching focused on arms, wrists, and legs.
  • Round-robin sharing: “What did I do well today?”, “What was tricky? How can we improve?”
  • Teacher emphasises growth mindset and celebrating small steps.

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Differentiation & SEN Considerations

• Use large, soft balls for easier handling and reduced injury risk.
• Employ clear, simple language with visual cues and demonstrations.
• Provide buddy support with peer partners or teaching assistants.
• Allow varied response times and encourage participation at individual comfort levels.
• Use tactile markers (like textured cones) for spatial orientation.
• Incorporate positive sensory feedback (clapping, verbal praise, visuals).

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Assessment & Evaluation

• Formative assessment through observation of ball handling, posture, and engagement during paired activities and stations.
• Teacher note-taking on individual progress towards learning objectives.
• Use of simple success criteria: e.g., "Can you keep your arms steady?", "Did you look at the ball before passing?"
• End-of-lesson informal feedback session to gauge pupils’ understanding and confidence.

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Extension Ideas

• Introduce basic volleyball rules tailored for SEN students in future lessons.
• Explore variations like balloon volleyball or seated volleyball to further inclusion and keep engagement high.

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This lesson plan respects National Curriculum aims by fostering fundamental physical skills, confidence, and collaboration in a joyful, supportive environment tailored to SEN pupils’ needs.