Lesson 3 - Throwing for Accuracy
Ball Mastery & Exploration
•Reception
•Ball Skills
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we become better at hitting targets with our throwing?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accuracy when throwing to a target using underarm technique
- To handle equipment effectively with increasing control
- To demonstrate honesty and fair play in competitive activities
Key Outcomes
- Children will throw beanbags accurately at targets using correct technique
- Children will show improved hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness
- Children will demonstrate good sportsmanship and honesty during games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around perimeter in containers for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft balls, sock balls filled with rice
Various heights if available, spread throughout activity area
Alternative: Plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, skittles
Mix of sizes if available - larger hoops for support group
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops
Create clear centre line for team activities
Alternative: Rope, chalk line, tape on floor
Key Vocabulary
Something we aim at when throwing
Throwing with arm swinging low, past your bottom
Hitting exactly where you aim
The very tips of your fingers
Staying steady and not falling over
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handling of objects with both hands
- Simple throwing movements in any direction
- Understanding of 'stop' and 'go' commands
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing technique with straight arm
- Aiming at specific targets with accuracy
- Catching objects in containers and with hands
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing for distance
- Moving targets and dynamic throwing
- Team throwing games with strategy
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Eyes must stay focused on the target throughout the throwing action
- Underarm throwing uses a straight arm swinging like a pendulum
- Release the beanbag when fingertips point directly at the target
- Step forward with the opposite foot to throwing arm for balance and power
- Honesty and fair play are just as important as throwing accuracy
- Progressive challenges build confidence - move closer after misses, further after hits
- Encourage persistence - improvement comes with practice and patience
Common Misconceptions
- Children think they need to throw hard rather than accurately - emphasise gentle, controlled throws
- Many believe overarm throwing is better - explain why underarm is more accurate for targets
- Some think looking away during throw helps - stress importance of watching target throughout
- Children may think bigger steps back mean better throwing - explain appropriate challenge levels
- Some believe winning is most important - emphasise learning and honesty over competition results
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, frequent movement breaks, clear and simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, broken-down step instructions, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, tactile markers for boundaries, verbal descriptions of all actions
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing options, modified targets at appropriate heights, adapted equipment sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring distances with steps, basic addition of team scores
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, gravity in dropping, trajectory concepts
PSHE
Honesty and fair play, taking turns, encouraging others, handling winning and losing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during demonstrations, perimeter during practice for full class observation
Observation Focus
Throwing technique development, accuracy improvement, social interaction quality
Intervention Points
Step in for technique correction, safety concerns, or conflict resolution
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate in slow motion first, then at normal speed. Use exaggerated movements for clarity with Reception age group.
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on target!'
- •'Straight arm swing!'
- •'Fingertips pointing!'
- •'Step and throw!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area for throwing activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Beanbags soft and well-constructed
- •Cones stable and non-sharp edges
- •Hoops appropriate size for age group
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Beanbag strikes to face or body
- •Collisions during movement
- •Slips during throwing action
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established
- •Adequate space between throwers
- •Underarm technique reduces wild throws
- •Clear stop signals understood by all
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing areas
- •Monitor technique to prevent strain
- •Watch for fair play and safety in games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, appropriate first aid if needed, contact support