Lesson 6 - Throwing for Distance and Accuracy
Whole-Body Movement Confidence
•Reception
•Athletics
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How can I use my whole body like a powerful catapult to throw equipment far and accurately?
Learning Objectives
- To throw a variety of equipment using correct technique
- To understand how body position affects throwing distance and accuracy
- To demonstrate safe equipment handling and storage
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw using sideways-on position with follow-through
- Students will show improved distance in their throws
- Students will handle and store equipment safely and responsibly
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in equipment bag at throwing line
Alternative: Soft balls, teddy bears for throwing
Stack neatly for easy distribution
Alternative: Foam frisbees, paper plates
Hang on equipment rack for visibility
Alternative: Rubber rings, hoops
Store safely in container, tips pointing down
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam javelins
Lay flat around activity area as targets
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Space at different distances for target practice
Alternative: Marker spots, plastic bottles
Create targets and standing positions
Alternative: Chalk marks, tape marks
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with your arm going over your shoulder like a windmill
Standing with your side facing the target, not your front
Continuing your arm movement after you let go of the equipment
Swinging motion like a clock pendulum to build power
Holding a frisbee with thumb on top and fingers underneath
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing action
- Understanding of safe equipment handling
- Ability to follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Throwing with sideways-on body position
- Using pendulum motion for power generation
- Gripping different equipment correctly
Next Steps
- Throwing at moving targets
- Combining throwing with catching skills
- Understanding trajectory and flight paths
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always demonstrate throwing technique from side view so students can clearly see body position
- Use 'sideways-on like a scarecrow' analogy to help young children understand correct stance
- Emphasise follow-through by saying 'point at your target after you throw'
- Connect pendulum motion to familiar objects like grandfather clocks
- Safety first - all students throw together on command to prevent accidents
- Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just natural ability
- Use partner work to build cooperation and peer support skills
Common Misconceptions
- Students often face target straight-on rather than sideways - use clear demonstrations
- Children may think throwing harder automatically means throwing further - emphasise technique
- Students may not understand follow-through importance - demonstrate stopping vs continuing motion
- Young children often drop their arm instead of following through - use 'point at target' cue
- Some may think frisbee grip is same as ball grip - show clear differences
- Students may not connect pendulum motion to power generation - use energy/catapult analogies
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries, frequent activity changes, movement breaks built into lesson structure
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified throwing action, additional practice time, step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules for station rotations, consistent routines, quiet zones if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of targets, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written station cards with pictures
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, lighter equipment, modified distances, alternative target sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring throwing distances, scoring points at stations
Science
Understanding forces and motion in throwing, exploring how body position affects trajectory
Geography
Directional awareness, understanding space and position during throwing activities
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork during partner work, resilience when techniques don't work first time
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between stations during rotation activities, position to see all throwing lanes during distance work
Observation Focus
Watch for sideways-on throwing position, follow-through technique, and cooperative partner work
Intervention Points
Step in to correct unsafe throwing direction, remind about gentle tagging during warm-up, support struggling students with technique
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show throwing technique from side view so students can see body position clearly, exaggerate movements for young children
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways on like a scarecrow!'
- •'Rock back like a pendulum!'
- •'Follow through to your target!'
- •'Soft and safe throwing please!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large indoor hall
Surface Check
Check area is free from obstacles, holes, or slippery surfaces
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft javelins stored tips down when not in use
- •Bean bags checked for damage or loose seams
- •Frisbees and quoits inspected for cracks
- •Hoops secured and not warped
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Javelin throwing - risk of injury from improper handling
- •Collisions during multi-direction throwing
- •Trips and falls during collection phases
- •Equipment strikes from poor throwing control
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing zones established with no crossing patterns
- •All students throw simultaneously on command to prevent accidents
- •Equipment collection only when all have finished throwing
- •Soft equipment used to minimise injury risk
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all stations during rotation activities
- •Monitor javelin handling closely for safety
- •Watch for safe spacing during partner work
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if equipment safety issue arises, assess injury, apply first aid as needed