⚪

Lesson 1 - Exploring Throwing Techniques

Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Exploration

•

Reception

•

Ball Skills

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, or rolled up socks

Hoops

15 (1 per 2 students)

Placed as targets at various distances from throwing line

Alternative: Large circles drawn with chalk, hula hoops, or buckets

Cones

15 (alternative targets)

Mixed with hoops to provide variety of target types

Alternative: Plastic bottles, cardboard targets, or marked spots

Markers

3.5 throwing lines

Create different distances: 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m from targets

Alternative: Masking tape, chalk lines, or rope

Key Vocabulary

Throwing

Sending an object through the air using your arm and hand

Aiming

Pointing towards where you want the beanbag to go

Accuracy

How close your throw gets to the target

Underarm

Throwing with your hand starting low and going up

Overarm

Throwing with your hand starting high and going forward

Target

The object we are trying to hit with our throw

Control

Being able to make the beanbag go where you want it to

Bullseye

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

Consistent use of dominant hand for throwing

Ability to aim at target before throwing

Understanding of underarm vs overarm techniques

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