Lesson 4 - Arm Direction in Throwing
Athletic Foundations & Play
•Year 1
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw objects further and more accurately?
Learning Objectives
- To throw a range of objects over a distance using correct technique
- To adapt throwing styles to different objects
- To use a leading arm to direct a throw over a longer distance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct throwing technique with leading arm direction
- Students will adapt their throwing style for different equipment
- Students will show improved distance and accuracy in throwing activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Various sizes available for different throwing experiences
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls
Variety of shapes, sizes and weights for skill adaptation
Alternative: Quoits, koosh balls, soft javelins
For distance marking and lane boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers
For target areas and team positioning
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
For removed balls and equipment storage
Alternative: Large hoops, designated collection areas
Placed at 1-metre intervals for distance measurement
Alternative: Number cards, coloured cones
Key Vocabulary
The non-throwing arm that points towards the target to guide direction
Throwing objects as far as possible using proper technique
Changing how you throw based on the type of equipment being used
The specific area or point you are aiming towards when throwing
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm and overarm throwing actions
- Understanding of safe throwing procedures
- Experience with different throwing equipment
Current Skills
- Leading arm direction technique
- Distance throwing for accuracy
- Adapting technique to equipment type
Next Steps
- Throwing for accuracy at specific targets
- Competitive throwing activities
- Introduction to track and field throwing events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Leading arm points directly at target and remains steady throughout throw
- Different equipment requires adaptation of grip, release, and technique
- Distance throwing combines leading arm direction with full body power
- Safety requires simultaneous throwing and controlled collection procedures
- Team games apply individual skills under pressure and require tactical thinking
- Technique improvement comes through practice, reflection, and peer observation
- Equipment characteristics (weight, shape, size) affect throwing performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking the leading arm should move during the throw - it should remain steady
- Believing all equipment can be thrown the same way - each requires technique adaptation
- Assuming throwing harder always means throwing further - technique is more important than force
- Not understanding that leading arm helps with accuracy as well as distance
- Confusing which arm is the leading arm - it's always the non-throwing arm
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues, celebrate frequent successes
dyspraxia
- Use larger, easier-to-grip equipment, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, use visual technique cards
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zones, use consistent routines, offer sensory breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment and targets, provide verbal descriptions of setup, use sound cues for direction, implement buddy system
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt throwing from seated position, use lighter equipment, modify distances, provide stability support if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances in metres, comparing distances, estimating and checking measurements, counting scores and team progress
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, gravity effects on different objects, air resistance with various equipment shapes
Geography
Direction and compass points, spatial awareness and positioning, mapping throwing trajectories
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all throwing lanes and students, move to support individual groups as needed
Observation Focus
Leading arm technique consistency, throwing safety compliance, equipment adaptation, teamwork during games
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe throwing, provide immediate feedback on technique, support struggling students with additional demonstrations
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use exaggerated leading arm movements for visibility, show technique from multiple angles, involve students in demonstrations to reinforce learning
Verbal Cues
- •'Point with your leading arm!'
- •'Keep that pointing arm steady!'
- •'Follow your pointing arm direction!'
- •'All together on my command!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m with clear throwing lanes
Surface Check
Clean, dry, level surface free from obstacles and slip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft throwing equipment only - no hard balls or objects
- •Check all equipment for damage before use
- •Ensure hoops are flat and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during throwing activities
- •Students in throwing trajectory during activities
- •Unsafe collection of equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Simultaneous throwing on command only
- •Clear throwing lanes with designated safe areas
- •Controlled equipment collection procedures
- •Adequate spacing between students during activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor compliance with simultaneous throwing rules
- •Check safe collection procedures are followed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour, assess any impacts, first aid if needed, review safety rules before continuing