Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Control
Hand-Eye Coordination Play
•Reception
•Net and Wall
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How can we move our bodies to be ready to catch a ball that's coming towards us?
Learning Objectives
- To send a ball with increasing accuracy using underarm throws
- To receive a ball by moving quickly into the correct position
- To demonstrate and maintain a good ready position for catching
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to throw a ball underarm with some accuracy
- Students will move their feet to get behind the ball when catching
- Students will show a ready position with weight on balls of feet and arms prepared
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in equipment box at edge of area
Alternative: Bean bags, large tennis balls, foam balls
For warm-up activity identification
Alternative: Bands, scarves, coloured cones
For dodgeball and house filling games
Alternative: Large lightweight balls, beach balls
Placed 5 metres from team starting positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones in square
For creating boundaries and net lines
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, playground markings
For warm-up group centre points
Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
Standing with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, arms relaxed and hands in W shape at chest height
Throwing with hand starting low and moving upwards, keeping the ball below shoulder height
Following the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand
Catching with relaxed fingers and cushioning the ball as it arrives
Continuous passing of the ball back and forth between players
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students have attempted to throw objects with one or two hands
- Students have tried to catch large, slow-moving objects
- Students can follow simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing with increasing accuracy
- Catching by moving feet to get behind the ball
- Maintaining ready position with weight on balls of feet
- Tracking a ball's flight path with eyes
Next Steps
- Throwing and catching while moving
- Using different types of throws (overarm)
- Playing simple net games with consistent rallies
- Understanding basic tactics in net games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position with weight on balls of feet and hands in W shape at chest height
- Tracking the ball with eyes throughout its entire flight path
- Underarm throwing technique with upward trajectory for partner catching
- Moving feet to get behind the ball rather than reaching with arms
- Soft hands with cushioning action when catching
- Accurate feeding to help partner succeed in catching
- Understanding rally concept as cooperative rather than competitive
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking catching is just about hand position rather than whole body movement
- Believing throwing harder makes it easier for partner to catch
- Assuming ready position is just standing still rather than dynamic preparation
- Focusing on individual success rather than helping partner succeed
- Thinking games are about winning rather than improving skills together
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in regular movement breaks, use clear simple instructions, provide immediate feedback, shorter activity segments
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, reduce complexity of multi-step activities
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet space available if needed, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with bell inside, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all instructions clearly, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distance and height, use larger lighter balls, provide seated options for activities, modify catching positions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, expressing ideas about technique
Maths
Counting consecutive catches, measuring distances for throwing, understanding concepts of trajectory and angles
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, gravity affecting ball flight, reaction times and coordination
PSHE
Cooperation and turn-taking, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during partner work
Observation Focus
Watch for ready position quality, ball tracking with eyes, movement to ball, accurate throwing technique
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with basic throwing technique, provide additional support for catching difficulties, manage group dynamics in games
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve students in demonstrations, model positive encouragement and fair play
Verbal Cues
- •'Track the ball with your eyes!'
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Get behind the ball!'
- •'Weight on your toes!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, suitable for throwing activities
Surface Check
Flat, dry surface free from obstacles and trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are appropriate softness for age group
- •Ensure bibs are securely but safely attached
- •Cones positioned to avoid trip hazards
- •Hoops lying flat and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or face
- •Collisions between students during dynamic activities
- •Slips and falls during rapid directional changes
- •Inadequate spacing leading to interference between groups
Risk Mitigation
- •Use soft, age-appropriate balls only
- •Establish clear boundaries and no-crossing zones
- •Emphasise underarm throwing only in games
- •Maintain adequate spacing between all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe maximum number of students
- •Particular attention during game activities
- •Monitor for fatigue and over-excitement
- •Watch for students following safety instructions
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with other staff if needed