Lesson 2 - Throwing Underarm - Accuracy and Control
Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Exploration
•Reception
•Ball Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, fabric balls
Placed at varying distances for differentiation
Alternative: Large cones, chalk circles, rope circles
Available for students to set up their own Hatrick Hero challenge
Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags as targets, marked spots
Mark different throwing distances and boundaries
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, floor tape
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with your hand starting low and moving upward
Being able to hit exactly where you aim
Looking carefully at your target before throwing
Having power over how hard or soft you throw
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
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