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Lesson 3 - Overarm Throwing

Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Exploration

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Reception

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to throw further and more accurately?

Learning Objectives

To explore and develop overarm throwing technique using beanbags
To understand how body movement affects throwing distance and accuracy
To apply throwing skills in competitive activities with fairness and encouragement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique
Students will explain how body positioning affects throwing performance
Students will participate in throwing competitions with good sportsmanship

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed in equipment bags around activity area

Alternative: Small stuffed animals, tennis balls in socks

Dish Cones

20-25

Set at 3-metre intervals for distance marking

Alternative: Hoops, chalk lines, rope

Whiteboards

6-8 (one per group)

With dry-wipe pens for scorekeeping

Alternative: Paper and clipboards, digital scoring app

Measuring Tapes

For setting up accurate 3-metre intervals

Alternative: Pre-measured rope, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing with your arm going over your shoulder, like bowling in cricket

Control

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

Aiming

Looking at where you want the beanbag to land and trying to throw it there

Accuracy

How close your throw gets to where you wanted it to go

Distance

How far your throw travels from where you are standing

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Students can throw underarm with basic control
Students understand basic spatial awareness and safety in PE
Students can follow simple instructions and take turns

Current Skills

Developing overarm throwing technique
Understanding body positioning for power and accuracy
Applying skills in structured competitive activities

Next Steps

Combining overarm throwing with catching skills
Throwing at specific targets for accuracy
Using throwing skills in simple team games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of dominant hand for overarm throws

Visible step forward and body rotation during throw

Understanding of distance vs accuracy trade-offs

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing uses 'up and over' arm action, completely different from underarm
Stepping forward with opposite foot adds power and balance to the throw
Body rotation from side-on to facing forward increases throwing distance
Technique and control are more important than throwing as hard as possible
Encouragement and good sportsmanship make activities enjoyable for everyone
Following through with arm action completes the throwing movement
Looking at target and aiming helps improve accuracy over time

Common Misconceptions

Thinking overarm throwing is just 'throwing harder' - emphasise technique over force
Using side-arm action instead of over-shoulder - demonstrate clear 'up and over' pathway
Stepping with same foot as throwing arm - practice opposite foot stepping separately
Believing only the strongest students can throw far - show how technique beats strength
Thinking competition is only about winning - emphasise improvement and effort
Assuming good throwers are just 'naturally talented' - highlight learned techniques

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries marked visually, regular positive feedback and refocusing

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time with adult support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks, consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured beanbags, verbal descriptions of distances, tactile markers for throwing line

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for 'throw' and 'stop', written instructions on display

physical disability

Seated throwing option, modified distances, adapted equipment like larger beanbags

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points in competition, measuring distances with markers, comparing 'further' and 'nearest'

Science

Understanding forces and motion, exploring how body position affects throwing power

Geography

Directional language (forward, backward, left, right), spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Taking turns, encouraging others, dealing with winning and losing, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at side angle to observe all throwing lanes while remaining out of throwing path

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, safety compliance, and individual progress

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe behaviour, provide technique corrections, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate slowly then at normal speed, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Up and over your shoulder!'
•'Step with your opposite foot!'
•'Twist your body as you throw!'
•'Follow through with your arm!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for throwing activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for running and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags are intact with no loose filling
•Ensure marker cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify whiteboards and pens are safe for student use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during throwing
•Slips and falls when retrieving beanbags
•Beanbag strikes to head or body

Risk Mitigation

•All throwing in same direction with clear lanes
•Organised collection system preventing running into throwing area
•Adequate spacing between participants (minimum 2m)
•Clear 'stop' and 'go' signals for throwing and collecting

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing lanes
•Monitor collection area for safe retrieval
•Watch for students following safety instructions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact support if needed