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Lesson 4 - Underarm Throwing and Communication

Teamwork Foundations

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Reception

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Different colours for team activities - 2 sets plus odd colour

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Half set as dishes (upside down), half as domes (normal)

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

Hoops

12.5 (various colours)

Matched colours with cones for throw golf course

Alternative: Large circles marked with chalk/tape

Bibs

15 (half class)

To distinguish teams in dishes and domes

Alternative: Different coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Underarm

Throwing with your hand below your waist, swinging arm forward and upward

Opposite foot

Put the foot opposite to your throwing arm forward when throwing

Calling for runs

Telling your partner when it's safe to run by shouting 'yes' or 'no'

Target

The place you're aiming to throw at, like a hoop or cone

Tracking

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

Consistent opposite foot forward when throwing

Clear verbal communication with partner

Catching 3 out of 5 attempts

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