Striking and Team Building

Overview

This 45-minute session is designed for Year 2 and 3 pupils to develop fundamental striking and fielding skills, alongside team-building competencies. Activities are specifically aligned with the National Curriculum for England’s Physical Education Programme of Study, ensuring progression in physical control, coordination, and collaborative abilities.

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National Curriculum Alignment

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) & Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Focus:

• Fundamental Movement Skills:

  • Develop overall body strength, balance, coordination, and agility
  • Use running, jumping, throwing, and catching in combination

• Play competitive games, modified where appropriate

  • Apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending

• Working collaboratively in team activities

  • Encourage cooperation and communication

(Reference: Physical Education, Key Stages 1 and 2 Programmes of Study, Department for Education, 2014)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic striking techniques using a bat or paddle with control and accuracy.
2. Perform catching and throwing skills in a game context, adapting to dynamic ball movement.
3. Work effectively in small teams, using clear communication and roles to support team strategy.
4. Understand and apply simple rules related to striking and fielding games.
5. Show respect and sportsmanship throughout all activities.

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Resources Needed

• Soft balls (18-20, size appropriate)
• Lightweight bats or plastic cricket/paddle bats (15-20)
• Cones or markers to define boundaries and bases
• Bibs or coloured wristbands for team identification
• Whistle
• Scoreboard (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up and Introduction (8 minutes)

• Activity: "Cone Ball Chase"
  • Pupils jog around a marked area avoiding cones placed randomly.
  • On whistle, they must freeze and perform dynamic stretches: arm circles, high knees, and gentle lunges.
• Teacher Input:
  • Brief discussion on striking and fielding.
  • Introduce the importance of teamwork and communication.
• National Curriculum Link:
  • Develop fundamental movement skills; preparing for physical activity safely.

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2. Skill Development Stations (20 minutes)

Station A: Striking Basics (10 mins)

• Activity: Batting with balls tossed underarm by teacher/peer.
• Focus: Grip, stance, swinging to strike the ball forward.
• Progression: Start stationary; introduce moving onto bases after successful strike.

Station B: Fielding Essentials (10 mins)

• Activity: Catch and throw drills in pairs.
• Focus: Underarm throwing with accuracy, soft hands catching, and calling for the ball.
• Progression: Increase distance; add simple communication cues ("Mine", "Throwing").

(Pupils rotate after 10 minutes, ensuring all experience both skills.)

• National Curriculum Link:
  • Use running, throwing, catching in combination.
  • Playing competitive games modified for their stage and performing basic attacking/defending principles.

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3. Mini-Striking and Fielding Game (12 minutes)

• Setup:

  • Divide class into 3 teams (10-11 pupils depending).
  • One team bats, one fields, one rests/observes with guided peer feedback.
  • Mark simple bases with cones in a small field to encourage running after striking.

• Rules:

  • Batter tries to strike ball and run to cones.
  • Fielders retrieve and throw to stop runs (e.g. throw to cone/base before runner arrives).
  • Rotate after 5-6 minutes.

• Teacher Role:

  • Encourage positive communication.
  • Reinforce rules, safety, and fairness.
  • Maintain pace and enthusiasm.

• National Curriculum Link:

  • Apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.
  • Play competitive games modified where appropriate.

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4. Cool-Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Activity: Gentle walking and static stretching focusing on arms, legs, and core.
• Discussion Questions:
  • What was the most fun part of the game?
  • How did your team work better together?
  • Why is it important to listen to teammates?
• National Curriculum Link:
  • Understand the importance of exercise and teamwork.
  • Develop positive attitudes to participation.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observe striking technique accuracy and fielding skills during stations.
  • Listen for effective communication and cooperation during games.
  • Use a simple ‘traffic light’ card system (red, amber, green) to give instant feedback on effort and teamwork.

• Peer Assessment:

  • Pupils observing can give “team points” for communication or best catch/strike.

• Teacher Feedback:

  • Highlight progress made individually and as a team.
  • Emphasise positive behaviours: listening, encouraging, and fair play.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support: Smaller balls, larger bats, and shorter distances in throwing/catching.
• Challenge: Faster pitch of balls, additional bases or extended running courses.
• Additional support: Peer buddies or adult helpers to encourage inclusion for those with different physical abilities.

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Extensions and Home Learning

• Encourage pupils to practise striking and throwing skills with family.
• Create a short ‘team cheer’ to boost team spirit, to share in future lessons.

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By carefully combining skill drilling with dynamic team games and reflective discussions, this lesson will not only develop pupils’ physical competence but also embed the social and emotional skills that underpin effective team sports. The structured, National Curriculum-aligned approach ensures progression, enjoyment, and active engagement for all pupils.