Lesson 3 - Overarm Throwing and Accuracy
Whole-Body Movement Confidence
•Reception
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our whole body to throw accurately and help our friends succeed?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate overarm throwing technique with side-on body position
- Work cooperatively with partners and in groups whilst sharing equipment
- Understand and demonstrate safe equipment handling and storage
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw a ball overarm with improved accuracy using correct body position
- Students will demonstrate turn-taking and cooperation during partner activities
- Students will safely transport, use and store PE equipment
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, sponge balls
Various colours for different activities and targets
Alternative: Markers, spots, plastic bottles
Different colours to match throwing stations
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
For throw golf activity
Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling scarves
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with your arm going over your shoulder, like posting a letter in a high postbox
Standing with your side facing the target, not your front
The arm that doesn't hold the ball - it points at the target to help aim
Getting close to or hitting what you're aiming for
Working together nicely and helping each other
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing
- Simple catching with two hands
- Following basic safety rules
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique
- Partner cooperation and turn-taking
- Safe equipment handling
Next Steps
- Throwing for distance
- Catching moving balls
- Team game strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Side-on position is fundamental to good overarm throwing
- Non-throwing arm points at target for balance and aim
- High elbow position generates power and accuracy
- Step forward with opposite foot during throw
- Cooperation and turn-taking are as important as technique
- Gentle, controlled throws are safer and often more accurate
- Practice leads to improvement - effort should be celebrated
Common Misconceptions
- Harder throws are always more accurate - teach control first
- Facing the target is better than side-on - demonstrate difference
- Only the throwing arm matters - emphasise whole body coordination
- Competition means winning at all costs - focus on personal improvement
- Some children 'can't' throw - everyone can improve with practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, movement breaks built in, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations, physical prompts for positioning, larger targets, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent language
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile guidance for throwing position
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals, written instruction cards with pictures
physical disability
- Seated throwing options, larger/lighter balls, modified targets, peer support
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting throws, scoring points, measuring distances, recognising patterns in successful throws
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, how muscles work together, balance and coordination
Geography
Directional language - forwards, backwards, sideways, left, right, spatial awareness
PSHE
Taking turns, cooperation, persistence, celebrating others' success, handling disappointment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for overarm technique, cooperation skills, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in to correct dangerous throwing, support struggling students, manage conflicts
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Use student demonstrators when they show good technique.
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on position!'
- •'Point with your magic arm!'
- •'High elbow, up and over!'
- •'Gentle throws only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m for safe throwing practice
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, check for obstacles and hazards before lesson
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Use only soft balls appropriate for age group
- •Check balls are not over-inflated
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face area
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls during dynamic games
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise gentle throws and below-waist targeting
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing
- •Proper warm-up and controlled movement
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwing activities
- •Monitor throwing intensity especially in games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have access to emergency contacts