Lesson 2 - Underarm Throwing Accuracy
Accuracy Skills & Target Practice
•Reception
•Target Games
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How can we aim accurately when throwing underarm to hit our target every time?
Learning Objectives
- Develop underarm throwing technique with accuracy
- Understand the importance of dominant hand and throwing stance
- Work cooperatively with partners taking turns
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct underarm throwing stance
- Students will show improved accuracy when throwing at targets
- Students will work safely and cooperatively during target games
Equipment & Resources Required
Mixed colours for team games, stored in baskets around hall perimeter
Alternative: Soft balls, tennis balls
Various sizes if available, stacked at equipment station
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Bright colours preferred, stored in cone carrier
Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles
For marking shapes on floor if outdoor space available
Alternative: Tape markers, laminated shapes
Circle, square, triangle, rectangle in different colours
Alternative: Chalk shapes, coloured hoops
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with your arm swinging upwards from below your waist
The hand you prefer to use for writing and throwing
How you position your body and feet when preparing to throw
How close your throw lands to the target you're aiming at
The object or area you are trying to hit with your throw
Taking your throwing arm back before releasing forward
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching movements
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing stance and technique
- Accuracy and distance control
- Cooperative partner work
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing techniques
- Moving targets and game situations
- Strategic thinking in target games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways body position with opposite leg forward is crucial for accuracy
- Backswing and follow-through create power and direction
- Safety requires standing behind throwers at all times
- Gentle, controlled throws are more accurate than hard throws
- Practice with both hands develops overall coordination
- Taking turns and cooperation are as important as technique
- Encouragement and celebration build confidence in all learners
Common Misconceptions
- Children think throwing harder means more accurate - emphasise control over power
- Many face the target directly - reinforce sideways stance consistently
- Wrong leg forward is very common - use 'opposite to throwing hand' repeatedly
- Children rush the throw - teach them to prepare stance before each throw
- Some think non-dominant hand practice is pointless - explain coordination benefits
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks between explanations
dyspraxia
- Extra time for skill practice, simplified movement patterns, buddy support system
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide tactile markers for throwing lines, use bell balls for audio feedback
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards with pictures
physical disability
- Adjust throwing distances, provide seated throwing options, use lighter/larger equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary, explaining techniques to others
Maths
Counting bean bags and scores, measuring distances, understanding directions and position
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, understanding how stance affects balance and accuracy
PSHE
Taking turns, cooperation, honest self-assessment, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, position at equipment station during setup
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stance, safe throwing, cooperative behaviour
Intervention Points
["Step in if throwing becomes too forceful", "Support partnerships that are struggling", "Adjust challenges for different ability levels"]
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements, repeat demonstrations as needed, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways body!'
- •'Opposite leg forward!'
- •'Gentle throws only!'
- •'Well done, that's perfect technique!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 10m hall space, clear of obstacles and furniture
Surface Check
Non-slip indoor surface, dry and even throughout activity area
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bean bags are intact with no split seams
- •Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify cones are stable and not damaged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Bean bags hitting other children
- •Slips when collecting equipment
- •Collisions during movement activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries for throwing activities
- •Emphasis on gentle, controlled throws only
- •Adequate spacing between working pairs/teams
- •Teaching 'STOP' signals and freeze response
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing activities
- •Monitor equipment collection areas
- •Watch for appropriate throwing force
Emergency Procedures
STOP signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed