Lesson 4 - Underarm Throwing and Communication
Teamwork Foundations
•Reception
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together to score runs and communicate effectively?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate underarm throwing technique with opposite foot forward
- To understand and practice calling for runs with a partner
- To demonstrate safe movement and equipment handling in shared spaces
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw underarm accurately using correct footwork
- Students will communicate clearly when calling for runs
- Students will work cooperatively with partners in throwing and catching activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Different colours for team activities - 2 sets plus odd colour
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls
Half set as dishes (upside down), half as domes (normal)
Alternative: Markers, spot markers
Matched colours with cones for throw golf course
Alternative: Large circles marked with chalk/tape
To distinguish teams in dishes and domes
Alternative: Different coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with your hand below your waist, swinging arm forward and upward
Put the foot opposite to your throwing arm forward when throwing
Telling your partner when it's safe to run by shouting 'yes' or 'no'
The place you're aiming to throw at, like a hoop or cone
Following the beanbag with your eyes from throw to catch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with two hands
- Understanding of taking turns
- Following simple instructions in PE
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing with correct footwork
- Basic communication during partner work
- Reaction catching and tracking objects
Next Steps
- Throwing at moving targets
- Advanced communication signals
- Introduction to striking skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Opposite foot forward is the foundation of good throwing technique
- Eye tracking is essential for successful catching
- Safe movement in shared space requires constant awareness
- Partnership skills develop through fair turn-taking and encouragement
- Practice makes progress - celebrate improvement over perfection
- Communication during activities enhances teamwork and safety
- Self-assessment builds independence and learning awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Same foot forward as throwing hand - correct with clear demonstrations
- Looking at hands while catching - emphasise eye tracking constantly
- Throwing too hard means better accuracy - teach controlled, aimed throws
- Competition means winning at all costs - emphasise effort and improvement
- Difficult activities are meant to be frustrating - reframe as exciting challenges
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, increased equipment size
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured beanbags, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for instructions
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, closer targets, adapted beanbags or larger equipment, modified catching activities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using descriptive language for movements, communication during partner work
Maths
Counting throws and catches, measuring distances with steps, comparing scores and distances
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, hand-eye coordination development
PSHE
Turn-taking, cooperation, celebrating others' success, perseverance when activities are challenging
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around activity area for maximum visibility and individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot positioning, underarm technique, safe movement patterns, and positive partnership interactions
Intervention Points
Step in to correct unsafe movement, provide technique reminders, resolve partnership conflicts, adjust challenge levels
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly and clearly, repeat as needed, use successful students as examples, position for all students to see
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Point your fingers where you want it to go!'
- •'Watch the beanbag with your eyes!'
- •'Gentle throws, perfect catches!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor playground
Surface Check
Clean, dry surface free from equipment or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags for tears or loose filling
- •Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Beanbags hitting students unexpectedly
- •Trips over equipment
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between all activities
- •Safe collection procedures for equipment
- •Controlled movement patterns during warm-up
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during throwing activities
- •Monitor safe movement during dishes and domes
- •Check partnership dynamics throughout lesson
- •Observe for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, administer appropriate first aid, clear area of equipment if needed