Lesson 6 - Throwing Accuracy & Awareness
Hand-Eye Coordination Play
β’Reception
β’Net and Wall
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How can we throw with power and accuracy while always keeping our eyes on the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing technique with accuracy and power
- To maintain visual awareness of the ball at all times during game situations
- To demonstrate understanding of simple game rules and accept decisions
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw overarm with improved accuracy towards targets
- Students will move safely whilst keeping eyes on the ball
- Students will follow game rules and show good sportsmanship
Equipment & Resources Required
Place on cones in middle of court for dodgeball start
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls
Create net lines, boundaries, and ball holders
Alternative: Spots, markers
For assessment groupings at end of lesson
Alternative: Coloured hoops, zones
For assessment evidence and unit summative records
Alternative: Phone for recording
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball with your arm going over your shoulder
Hitting exactly where you want to aim
Using force to make the ball travel fast and far
Always watching where the ball is
Playing fairly and being kind to others
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique
- Ball tracking and awareness
- Rule understanding and acceptance
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques
- Game strategy development
- Leadership in sports activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise sideways stance with non-throwing arm pointing to target for accurate overarm throws
- Constantly reinforce 'eyes on the ball' during all movement and activities
- Model and celebrate positive responses to decisions and good sportsmanship
- Use progressive skill building from simple partner throws to complex game applications
- Ensure below head-height throws only for safety in all throwing activities
- Encourage accurate throws over powerful throws to build control and confidence
- Create opportunities for rule understanding through clear explanations and demonstrations
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking face-on throwing is more accurate than sideways stance - demonstrate better control with sideways position
- Believing harder throws are always better - show how controlled throws improve accuracy and safety
- Assuming you don't need to watch the ball when running away - demonstrate safe backward movement techniques
- Thinking rules are unfair when eliminated - explain how rules make games safe and fun for everyone
- Believing catching is less important than throwing - show how good catches help the whole team succeed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for good choices
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified throwing technique, extra practice time, step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance, tactile boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, visual cues for game start/stop
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, modified court size, lightweight balls, adapted throwing distances and techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful catches and throws, measuring distances for activities, understanding numerical progression 1-4
Science
Forces in throwing - understanding push and pull, trajectory of balls, effects of gravity on ball flight
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement around court areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions and rules, showing empathy and encouragement to others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of activity area for clear view of all students, move closer to support individual technique
Observation Focus
Watch for overarm throwing technique, ball awareness during movement, positive responses to decisions
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, support students struggling with technique, address poor sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate sideways throwing stance, show slow-motion overarm action, model positive responses to decisions
Verbal Cues
- β’'Sideways stance, pointing arm!'
- β’'Eyes on the ball always!'
- β’'Gentle throws below shoulder height!'
- β’'Great sportsmanship, well done!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m hall or outdoor court, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from hazards, appropriate for running and throwing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- β’Only soft balls used for all throwing activities
- β’Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- β’Cones have no sharp edges and are stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- β’Ball strikes to head/face area
- β’Collisions during running games
- β’Inappropriate throwing force
- β’Slips during directional changes
Risk Mitigation
- β’Emphasise below head-height throws only
- β’Clear court boundaries and running lanes established
- β’Controlled group releases during running activities
- β’Regular technique reminders for safe throwing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- β’Position for maximum visibility of all throwing activities
- β’Monitor throwing force and technique continuously
- β’Watch for head-height throws and intervene immediately
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required