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Lesson 1 - Underarm Throwing at Targets

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 improve our aim when throwing underarm at targets?

Learning Objectives

To develop underarm throwing technique with increasing accuracy
To understand the importance of correct body position when throwing
To apply throwing skills in simple target games

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to throw underarm with improved accuracy at stationary targets
Students will demonstrate correct throwing stance with opposite leg forward
Students will show increasing control and confidence in throwing activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

30 (1 per child)

Different colours helpful for activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, small soft balls

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Various sizes if available

Alternative: Large PE hoops or hula hoops

Cones

Bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Markers, skittles, plastic bottles

Game Balls

Must be soft for safety

Alternative: Soft foam balls, beach balls

Sun Markers

For marking throwing lines and positions

Alternative: Tape marks, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing with arm swinging below shoulder height in an upward arc

Target

An object or area we aim to hit with our throw

Accuracy

How close our throw comes to hitting the target

Stance

How we position our body when throwing

Follow-through

Continuing the arm movement after releasing the object

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Simple throwing and catching movements
Understanding of taking turns

Current Skills

Underarm throwing technique development
Target accuracy improvement
Body positioning for throwing

Next Steps

Throwing at moving targets
Overarm throwing introduction
Competitive target games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of opposite leg forward stance

Bean bag lands within 1 metre of target 3/5 attempts

Smooth arm swing with follow-through

Key Teaching Points

Opposite leg forward to throwing arm creates stable base and improved accuracy
Underarm throwing motion should be smooth like a pendulum, not jerky
Release point at hip level gives optimal trajectory for target accuracy
Follow-through towards target improves direction and distance control
Gentle throwing is more accurate than hard throwing for close targets
Teamwork and encouragement help everyone improve faster
Practice with both hands develops brain connections and overall coordination

Common Misconceptions

Same leg forward as throwing arm - correct by demonstrating opposite leg stance clearly
Throwing harder equals better accuracy - emphasise control over power
Only writing hand needs practice - encourage ambidextrous development
Missing throws means failure - reframe as learning opportunities
Competitive winning is most important - focus on personal improvement and cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear physical boundaries marked with cones, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger targets and shorter distances, additional practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown with visual supports

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks, predictable routine with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bean bags and equipment, provide audio cues for target direction, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards with pictures

physical disability

Seated throwing versions available, adapted distance and target sizes, alternative equipment like larger balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using positional language (forward, behind, opposite)

Maths

Counting successful throws, measuring distances with steps, recognising shapes and colours of targets

Science

Understanding forces in throwing - push and pull, exploring trajectory and accuracy

Geography

Directional language, understanding of space and distance, mapping movement around activity areas

PSHE

Taking turns, cooperation with partners, celebrating others' success, resilience when throws miss

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter during pair work, stand centrally for demonstrations and team games

Observation Focus

Priority: correct stance and gentle throwing technique. Secondary: cooperation and engagement

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, incorrect technique repeatedly shown, or negative interactions between children

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate throwing technique in slow motion first, then normal speed. Use children who show good technique as additional demonstrators.

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite leg forward!'
•'Smooth and gentle!'
•'Aim, don't just throw!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size 20m x 15m or equivalent playground area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Bean bags checked for tears and secure filling
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Sponge balls confirmed as soft and safe for throwing at people
•Cones stable and positioned to avoid collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bean bags hitting children if thrown too hard
•Collisions during running activities
•Trips over scattered equipment
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones before activities begin
•Emphasis on gentle throwing throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing between working pairs/groups
•Regular equipment collection and organisation
•Clear stop signal established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of activity area for full visibility
•Circulate during partner work to monitor technique and safety
•Stay central during team games for quick intervention
•Monitor energy levels and provide rest breaks as needed

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal immediately freezes all activity. Assess any incidents quickly and calmly. First aid available for any minor bumps or falls.