Unit Plan 22 (Grade 2 PE): Keep-Away Basics
Introduce Grade 2 students to offense and defense through simple keep-away games that build passing, catching, teamwork, and movement to open space.
Focus: Introduce simple offensive and defensive game ideas by helping students pass with control, move to open space, and stay between an opponent and a target during beginner keep-away play.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Simple Game Play • Offense & Defense Concepts)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students begin learning how object-control skills can be used in simple team game situations. This unit introduces a beginner version of keep-away, where students practice passing, catching, and moving to open space on offense while a defender tries to stay between the ball and a target area. Students first build success through partner passing with foam balls, then move into 3v1 Keep-Away in small grids with clear boundaries and simplified rules. The unit helps students understand that passing is not just about throwing the ball—it is also about getting open, being ready to receive, and making safe choices. On defense, students begin noticing how standing between an opponent and the target can help stop a pass.
Essential Questions
- How can I move to open space so a teammate can pass to me?
- What helps me throw and catch safely in a small game?
- What does a defender do to stay between an opponent and a target?
- How can I work with teammates during a keep-away game?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Throw and catch a foam ball with increasing control during partner and small-group games.
- Move to open space on offense to create a better passing option.
- Demonstrate a beginning defensive idea by trying to stay between an opponent and the intended target or passing lane.
- Combine movement and object-control skills during a simple keep-away game.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.2c – Object Control: Throwing & Catching Throw objects (e.g., yarn balls, foam balls) underhand and overhand toward a target and catch objects thrown at an appropriate distance with increasing success.
- Example: Students throw a ball overhand toward a wall target and then catch a ball tossed by a partner from a short distance.
- PE:S1.2f – Combining Skills in Simple Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills in simple game situations and challenges.
- Example: Students run to pick up a ball, dribble it with their feet, and then kick it into a marked goal zone.
- PE:S2.2d – Simple Offensive & Defensive Concepts Begin to demonstrate basic offensive and defensive ideas such as moving to open space and staying between an opponent and a goal.
- Example: In a simple keep-away game, students move to open spaces to receive a pass or stand between the ball and a target.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can throw and catch a foam ball with more control.
- I can move to open space to help my team on offense.
- I can try to stay between another player and the place they want to pass.
- I can work with my teammates during a simple keep-away game.