Lesson 1 - Underarm Throwing at Targets
Accuracy Skills & Target Practice
•Reception
•Target Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Different colours helpful for activities
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, small soft balls
Various sizes if available
Alternative: Large PE hoops or hula hoops
Bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Markers, skittles, plastic bottles
Must be soft for safety
Alternative: Soft foam balls, beach balls
For marking throwing lines and positions
Alternative: Tape marks, chalk circles
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with arm swinging below shoulder height in an upward arc
An object or area we aim to hit with our throw
How close our throw comes to hitting the target
How we position our body when throwing
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
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.