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Lesson 3 - Throwing for Accuracy

Ball Mastery & Exploration

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Reception

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Ball Skills

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40 min

Big Question

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

Balls

30 (1 per child)

Distributed around perimeter in containers for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft balls, sock balls filled with rice

Cones

Various heights if available, spread throughout activity area

Alternative: Plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, skittles

Hoops

Mix of sizes if available - larger hoops for support group

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops

Sun Markers

8-10

Create clear centre line for team activities

Alternative: Rope, chalk line, tape on floor

Key Vocabulary

Target

Something we aim at when throwing

Underarm

Throwing with arm swinging low, past your bottom

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you aim

Fingertips

The very tips of your fingers

Balance

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

Consistent underarm throwing action

Hitting targets 7 out of 10 attempts from 3 steps

Demonstrating honesty in self-assessment

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