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Lesson 2 - Underarm Throwing Accuracy

Accuracy Skills & Target Practice

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Reception

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Mixed colours for team games, stored in baskets around hall perimeter

Alternative: Soft balls, tennis balls

Hoops

Various sizes if available, stacked at equipment station

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

Bright colours preferred, stored in cone carrier

Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles

Chalk

4 pieces

For marking shapes on floor if outdoor space available

Alternative: Tape markers, laminated shapes

Cards

4 sets

Circle, square, triangle, rectangle in different colours

Alternative: Chalk shapes, coloured hoops

Key Vocabulary

Underarm

Throwing with your arm swinging upwards from below your waist

Dominant hand

The hand you prefer to use for writing and throwing

Stance

How you position your body and feet when preparing to throw

Accuracy

How close your throw lands to the target you're aiming at

Target

The object or area you are trying to hit with your throw

Backswing

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

Consistent use of opposite leg forward

Bean bag lands within target area 3 out of 5 attempts

Can explain why we stand with opposite leg forward

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