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Lesson 6 - Throwing for Distance 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 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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Place in equipment bag at throwing line

Alternative: Soft balls, teddy bears for throwing

Soft Frisbees

1 per 2 students (15)

Stack neatly for easy distribution

Alternative: Foam frisbees, paper plates

Quoits

1 per 2 students (15)

Hang on equipment rack for visibility

Alternative: Rubber rings, hoops

Foam Javelins

6-8 total

Store safely in container, tips pointing down

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam javelins

Hoops

8-10 various sizes

Lay flat around activity area as targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

15-20 various heights

Space at different distances for target practice

Alternative: Marker spots, plastic bottles

Mats

25 (various colours)

Create targets and standing positions

Alternative: Chalk marks, tape marks

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing with your arm going over your shoulder like a windmill

Sideways-on

Standing with your side facing the target, not your front

Follow-through

Continuing your arm movement after you let go of the equipment

Pendulum

Swinging motion like a clock pendulum to build power

Frisbee grip

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

Consistently turns sideways before throwing

Shows visible follow-through motion

Can explain why technique improves distance

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