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Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Control

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 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

Medium-Sized Balls

1 per pair (15)

Stored in equipment box at edge of area

Alternative: Bean bags, large tennis balls, foam balls

Coloured Bibs

1 per group of 3 (10)

For warm-up activity identification

Alternative: Bands, scarves, coloured cones

Balloon Balls

4-6 balls

For dodgeball and house filling games

Alternative: Large lightweight balls, beach balls

Hoops

5.5

Placed 5 metres from team starting positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones in square

Cones

20 cones

For creating boundaries and net lines

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, playground markings

Spots

8-10 spots

For warm-up group centre points

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Standing with weight on balls of feet, knees slightly bent, arms relaxed and hands in W shape at chest height

Underarm throw

Throwing with hand starting low and moving upwards, keeping the ball below shoulder height

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand

Soft hands

Catching with relaxed fingers and cushioning the ball as it arrives

Rally

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

Can catch 3 out of 5 throws from a partner

Demonstrates ready position without prompting

Tracks ball with eyes throughout its flight

Shows cushioning action when catching

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