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Lesson 2 - Accuracy in Target Throwing

Control Through Manipulation

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Reception

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Ball Skills

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40 min

Big Question

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

Balls

10 (2 per group)

Place 2 at each station for continuous practice

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls for older children

Cones

22 (for targets and markers)

Use for target clusters and station boundaries

Alternative: Plastic bottles, cardboard targets

Cricket Wickets

2 sets

Set up as narrow targets for precision throwing

Alternative: Large plastic bottles, foam bowling pins

Hoops

4 (various sizes if available)

Place at different distances for varied difficulty

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Shuttles

4 sets

Create under/over throwing challenges

Alternative: Pool noodles in cones, cardboard tubes

Tennis Balls

For advanced throwers or demonstration

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Target

Something we aim at when throwing

Underarm throw

Throwing with hand starting low and moving upward

Overarm throw

Throwing with hand starting high and moving forward

Opposite foot

The foot that is different from your throwing hand

Accuracy

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

Consistent stepping with opposite foot

Eyes remain focused on target throughout throw

Smooth release with fingertips pointing at target

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