Lesson 2 - Accuracy in Target Throwing
Control Through Manipulation
•Reception
•Ball Skills
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How can we aim accurately to hit our targets like a champion athlete?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accuracy when throwing to a target using underarm and overarm techniques
- To understand the importance of aiming and body positioning for successful throwing
- To demonstrate safe movement and spatial awareness during target practice activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to throw accurately at targets using appropriate technique
- Students will show improved hand-eye coordination and target selection
- Students will move safely around circuit stations while taking turns
Equipment & Resources Required
Place 2 at each station for continuous practice
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls for older children
Use for target clusters and station boundaries
Alternative: Plastic bottles, cardboard targets
Set up as narrow targets for precision throwing
Alternative: Large plastic bottles, foam bowling pins
Place at different distances for varied difficulty
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Create under/over throwing challenges
Alternative: Pool noodles in cones, cardboard tubes
For advanced throwers or demonstration
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Something we aim at when throwing
Throwing with hand starting low and moving upward
Throwing with hand starting high and moving forward
The foot that is different from your throwing hand
How close our throw gets to the target
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of throwing movements
- Ability to hold and release objects safely
- Basic spatial awareness and movement skills
Current Skills
- Accurate underarm and overarm throwing to targets
- Body positioning and stepping techniques
- Target selection and distance judgement
Next Steps
- Throwing at moving targets
- Partner throwing and catching activities
- Game-based throwing challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always keep eyes focused on the target throughout the throwing action
- Step forward with the foot opposite to your throwing hand for better balance and accuracy
- Use underarm throws for targets that need to go under obstacles or for gentle accuracy
- Use overarm throws for targets that require more power or distance
- Release the beanbag with fingertips pointing toward your target
- Safety first - only throw at targets, never at people
- Take turns fairly and encourage your teammates
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you need to throw harder to be more accurate - actually gentle, controlled throws are more successful
- Believing you should step with the same foot as your throwing hand - this reduces balance and accuracy
- Assuming overarm throws are always better - underarm throws are often more accurate for close targets
- Focusing on the beanbag instead of the target - eyes should always be on where you want the beanbag to go
- Thinking bigger children will always throw better - technique and practice matter more than size or strength
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter station times if needed, clear physical boundaries, movement breaks between activities, specific role assignments for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger beanbags for easier grip, closer targets initially, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown with visual cues
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of station rotations, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine structure, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured beanbags and targets, provide auditory cues for target location, buddy system for guidance, tactile target markers
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written station instruction cards, visual timer for rotations
physical disability
- Seated throwing positions available, larger/closer targets, lightweight beanbags, adapted throwing techniques for limited mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring distances to targets, comparing target sizes and shapes
Science
Understanding forces and motion, exploring how different throwing techniques affect trajectory and accuracy
Geography
Using directional language (over, under, through), understanding spatial relationships and distances
PSHE
Taking turns fairly, encouraging others, building resilience when missing targets, celebrating team achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of the stations to maintain visibility of all groups while providing support where needed
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stepping technique, eye contact with targets, safe equipment handling, and positive team interaction
Intervention Points
Step in when safety rules are not followed, when children need technique support, or when group dynamics need adjustment
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve children in demonstrations when appropriate, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on your target!'
- •'Step with your opposite foot!'
- •'One hand only for throwing!'
- •'Soft throws for better accuracy!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and tripping hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are securely sewn with no loose filling
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify cricket wickets are stable and not too heavy
- •Check hoops are complete circles with no breaks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Beanbags or balls hitting other children
- •Collisions during station rotations
- •Slips when moving between activities
- •Equipment being thrown at people instead of targets
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear 'throw at targets only' rule established and reinforced
- •Adequate spacing between stations to prevent interference
- •Controlled rotation system with clear stopping signals
- •Teacher positioned for maximum supervision visibility
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all stations simultaneously
- •Monitor adherence to throwing safety rules
- •Watch for appropriate equipment handling
- •Ensure safe movement during transitions
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid or support, adapt activity if necessary