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Lesson 2 - Underarm Throwing Accuracy

Throwing, Kicking & Rolling Skills

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Nursery

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we throw accurately to help our friends and win our games?

Learning Objectives

Develop underarm throwing technique with accuracy
Learn to work cooperatively with others and take turns
Understand the importance of safety when throwing objects

Key Outcomes

Children will throw underarm with improved accuracy using dominant and non-dominant hands
Children will demonstrate turn-taking and cooperation in target games
Children will show awareness of safety when throwing and position themselves appropriately

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per child (30)

Use different coloured sets for team games - suggest 3 colours with 10 of each

Alternative: Small soft balls, foam dice, fabric squares filled with rice

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Mix of floor hoops and hand-held hoops needed for different activities

Alternative: Chalk circles drawn on ground, rope circles, small mats

Cones

For boundaries, throwing lines, and 'Throw Golf' course markers

Alternative: Markers, plastic bottles, chalk marks

Shuttles

Place on stable surface midway between two throwing areas

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam blocks, small cones

Chalk

4 pieces

For drawing shapes on ground - circle, square, triangle, rectangle

Alternative: Tape, rope, pre-made shapes on cards

Game Balls

For warm-up activity - lighter than bean bags for safety

Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls, rolled up socks

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing with the arm moving in an upward arc from below shoulder height

Side-on stance

Standing with the side of your body facing the target

Follow through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the object

Dominant hand

The hand you prefer to use for activities like writing or throwing

Target

The object or area you are aiming to hit or reach

Accuracy

How close your throw gets to where you were aiming

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of holding and releasing objects
Awareness of personal space
Simple following of instructions

Current Skills

Underarm throwing technique with side-on stance
Accuracy in throwing towards targets
Cooperation and turn-taking skills

Next Steps

Overarm throwing techniques
Throwing for distance rather than accuracy
More complex target games with multiple objectives

Milestone Indicators

Consistent side-on stance when throwing

Bean bag reaches intended target 6 out of 10 times

Can throw with non-dominant hand with some accuracy

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance is fundamental for accurate throwing
Step with opposite foot as you throw for power and accuracy
Follow through towards the target after releasing
Safety first - always check throwing area is clear
Practice with both hands develops overall coordination
Cooperation and encouragement help everyone improve
Gentle throws are safer and often more accurate than hard throws

Common Misconceptions

Children think throwing harder equals throwing more accurately
Belief that only dominant hand needs practice
Assuming standing square-on to target is correct
Thinking competition means being unkind to others
Believing missing the target means they're not good at throwing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive feedback, physical activity breaks between seated discussions

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration of movements, larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, additional practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bean bags and hoops, provide verbal descriptions of target positions, partner guidance for equipment location

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written or picture instructions displayed

physical disability

Seated throwing versions, modified throwing distances, larger targets, adaptive equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful throws, measuring distances with paces, understanding concepts of near and far

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, understanding how objects move through air, gravity's effect on thrown objects

Geography

Directional language (towards, away, left, right), spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Cooperation and turn-taking, resilience when facing challenges, helping and encouraging others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity areas to observe all children, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, safe behaviour around others, cooperation in partner work

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, support frustrated children, facilitate partner conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve children in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on stance like a soldier!'
•'Step and throw, step and throw!'
•'Gentle throws only!'
•'Wait for your turn to collect!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, higher ceiling preferred for throwing arcs

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any wet areas that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Bean bags checked for secure stitching and appropriate filling
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones stable and not creating trip hazards
•Skittles positioned on stable surface away from walls

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bean bags hitting other children if thrown too hard
•Collisions when children retrieve equipment
•Trips over equipment left on floor
•Children moving into throwing areas at wrong time

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones and verbal instructions
•Underarm throwing only rule strictly enforced
•Equipment retrieval only when safe to do so
•Adequate spacing between pairs and teams

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing areas
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent dangerous throws
•Watch equipment retrieval for safety timing
•Check for any children feeling unwell or tired

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure clear access for help if needed