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Lesson 2 - Throwing Underarm - Accuracy and Control

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 underarm throwing to hit targets with accuracy and control?

Learning Objectives

To develop underarm throwing technique with increasing control
To understand the importance of aiming when throwing
To apply throwing skills in target-based activities

Key Outcomes

Students will throw a beanbag using underarm technique
Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when aiming at targets
Students will explain why we need to aim when throwing

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, fabric balls

Hoops

1 per student (30)

Placed at varying distances for differentiation

Alternative: Large cones, chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

3 per student (90)

Available for students to set up their own Hatrick Hero challenge

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags as targets, marked spots

Dish Cones

8-10

Mark different throwing distances and boundaries

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, floor tape

Key Vocabulary

Underarm

Throwing with your hand starting low and moving upward

Accuracy

Being able to hit exactly where you aim

Aiming

Looking carefully at your target before throwing

Control

Having power over how hard or soft you throw

Target

The object or area you are trying to hit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of throwing movement
Ability to hold and release objects
Recognition of targets and aiming concept

Current Skills

Underarm throwing technique development
Target accuracy and control
Understanding the connection between aiming and success

Next Steps

Overarm throwing introduction
Moving targets and dynamic throwing
Partner throwing and catching combinations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of opposite foot forward

Release point from low to high

Visual tracking of target before throwing

Improved accuracy over lesson duration

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing starts with hand low and finishes high - emphasise this movement pattern
Opposite foot steps forward when throwing - right hand throws, left foot steps
Point non-throwing hand at target before throwing to improve aiming accuracy
Look at target throughout throwing motion - eyes guide where beanbag goes
Take time to aim - accuracy is more important than speed
Celebrate effort and improvement as much as perfect technique
Connect good technique to successful target hitting in games

Common Misconceptions

Students think they should step forward with same foot as throwing hand - teach opposite foot pattern
Believing throwing harder will improve accuracy - emphasise control and technique over power
Thinking they should look at beanbag during throw - teach to keep eyes on target
Assuming overarm throwing is better - explain when underarm throwing is most appropriate
Expecting immediate accuracy - reinforce that improvement comes with practice and good technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries and movement patterns, frequent positive feedback, choice in challenge levels

dyspraxia

Simplified technique instruction, longer practice time, larger equipment, extra verbal and physical prompts

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet practice areas available, predictable lesson structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured beanbags and targets, verbal descriptions of throwing technique, tactile guidance for stance positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of technique, hand signals for instructions, written or pictorial success criteria

physical disability

Seated throwing options, adapted equipment sizes, modified distances and target sizes, peer support systems

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting throws and scores, measuring distances with steps, understanding more/less with scoring

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, understanding how things move through air, body parts working together

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, understanding near/far, positioning and mapping movements around space

PSHE

Honesty in scoring, encouragement of others, persistence when finding challenges difficult, celebrating achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, position to demonstrate clearly to whole group

Observation Focus

Watch for underarm technique development, aiming habits, safety awareness, and positive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, becoming frustrated, or compromising safety

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from side view for technique, use exaggerated movements for clarity, model positive attitude and effort

Verbal Cues

•'Point and step!'
•'Low to high!'
•'Aim first, then throw!'
•'Take your time!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall space 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles and furniture

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry floor, adequate grip for movement and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags are secure with no loose seams
•Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students colliding during equipment collection
•Beanbags hitting other students
•Slips during throwing motion
•Trip hazards from scattered equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions established away from others
•Adequate spacing maintained between all students (minimum 2m)
•Controlled equipment distribution and collection
•Clear boundaries for throwing areas
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing areas
•Monitor spacing and throwing directions continuously
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety
•Ensure equipment retrieval is safe and controlled

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed