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Lesson 6 - Throwing Accuracy & Awareness

Hand-Eye Coordination Play

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Reception

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Net and Wall

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

12-15

Place on cones in middle of court for dodgeball start

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Cones

Create net lines, boundaries, and ball holders

Alternative: Spots, markers

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

For assessment groupings at end of lesson

Alternative: Coloured hoops, zones

Digital Cameras

For assessment evidence and unit summative records

Alternative: Phone for recording

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing the ball with your arm going over your shoulder

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you want to aim

Power

Using force to make the ball travel fast and far

Eye on the ball

Always watching where the ball is

Sportsmanship

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

Consistent overarm throwing action

Eyes always on ball during movement

Positive response to decisions

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

•'Sideways stance, pointing arm!'
•'Eyes on the ball always!'
•'Gentle throws below shoulder height!'
•'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

•Only soft balls used for all throwing activities
•Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
•Cones have no sharp edges and are stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions during running games
•Inappropriate throwing force
•Slips during directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise below head-height throws only
•Clear court boundaries and running lanes established
•Controlled group releases during running activities
•Regular technique reminders for safe throwing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing activities
•Monitor throwing force and technique continuously
•Watch for head-height throws and intervene immediately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required