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Lesson 3 - Overarm Throwing and Accuracy

Whole-Body Movement Confidence

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Reception

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, sponge balls

Cones

20-30

Various colours for different activities and targets

Alternative: Markers, spots, plastic bottles

Hoops

6-8

Different colours to match throwing stations

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Balls

For throw golf activity

Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling scarves

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing with your arm going over your shoulder, like posting a letter in a high postbox

Side-on

Standing with your side facing the target, not your front

Non-throwing arm

The arm that doesn't hold the ball - it points at the target to help aim

Accurate

Getting close to or hitting what you're aiming for

Cooperation

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

Consistent side-on throwing position

Successful partner cooperation

Independent equipment management

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