Lesson 1 - Exploring Throwing Techniques
Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Exploration
•Reception
•Ball Skills
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How many different ways can we send a beanbag to hit our target?
Learning Objectives
- Explore different ways of throwing a beanbag using dominant hand
- Develop understanding of aiming and accuracy when throwing
- Learn to throw both underarm and overarm towards targets
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate at least 2 different throwing techniques
- Students will understand why we need to aim when throwing
- Students will show increasing control when throwing towards targets
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, or rolled up socks
Placed as targets at various distances from throwing line
Alternative: Large circles drawn with chalk, hula hoops, or buckets
Mixed with hoops to provide variety of target types
Alternative: Plastic bottles, cardboard targets, or marked spots
Create different distances: 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m from targets
Alternative: Masking tape, chalk lines, or rope
Key Vocabulary
Sending an object through the air using your arm and hand
Pointing towards where you want the beanbag to go
How close your throw gets to the target
Throwing with your hand starting low and going up
Throwing with your hand starting high and going forward
The object we are trying to hit with our throw
Being able to make the beanbag go where you want it to
When your throw hits the target perfectly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can hold and carry a beanbag safely
- Students understand basic safety rules in PE
- Students can follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Developing different throwing techniques
- Learning about aiming and accuracy
- Understanding when and why we throw
Next Steps
- Throwing with non-dominant hand
- Catching thrown objects
- Throwing over longer distances
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always look at your target before throwing - this is called aiming
- Point your non-throwing arm towards the target to help you aim
- Use smooth, controlled movements rather than fast, jerky throws
- Step forward with the opposite foot to your throwing arm
- Follow through after releasing the beanbag for better accuracy
- Underarm throws are good for accuracy at short distances
- Overarm throws can go further but need more practice for accuracy
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you need to throw harder to be more accurate - actually control and technique matter most
- Believing aiming is just about looking - pointing with the other arm really helps
- Assuming one throwing technique is always better - both underarm and overarm have different uses
- Thinking missing the target means you're not good at throwing - accuracy improves with practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, adult support for complex instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet spaces available, extra processing time for instructions
visual impairment
- Use bright, contrasting coloured beanbags and targets, provide audio cues for target location, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or pictorial instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapted seating positions for throwing, modified beanbags (larger/lighter), adjusted target distances and sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring distances to targets, understanding concepts of near and far
Science
Exploring forces when throwing, understanding how objects move through air, cause and effect relationships
PSHE
Taking turns, cooperating with partners, managing emotions when missing targets, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activity area for optimal observation of all students
Observation Focus
Watch for correct aiming technique, safe throwing lanes, and positive partner interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students not following safety rules, provide technique support when needed
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly and clearly, use exaggerated movements for visibility, show both underarm and overarm options
Verbal Cues
- •'Look at your target first!'
- •'Point with your other arm!'
- •'Smooth throwing action!'
- •'Wait for your turn!'
- •'Celebrate together!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor playground
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are intact with no loose filling
- •Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students being hit by thrown beanbags
- •Collisions during equipment collection
- •Slips and falls on scattered equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with no students in target areas
- •Controlled equipment collection procedures
- •Adequate spacing maintained throughout activities
- •Clear stop signals established and practiced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwing activities
- •Monitor equipment collection carefully
- •Check partner activities for safe cooperation
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, clear equipment if needed