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Lesson 4 - Arm Direction in Throwing

Athletic Foundations & Play

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Soft Dodgeballs

20-25

Various sizes available for different throwing experiences

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

PE Equipment

30 mixed items

Variety of shapes, sizes and weights for skill adaptation

Alternative: Quoits, koosh balls, soft javelins

Dish Cones

15-20

For distance marking and lane boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers

Hoops

8-10

For target areas and team positioning

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Collection Baskets

2-3

For removed balls and equipment storage

Alternative: Large hoops, designated collection areas

Sun Markers

6-8

Placed at 1-metre intervals for distance measurement

Alternative: Number cards, coloured cones

Key Vocabulary

Leading arm

The non-throwing arm that points towards the target to guide direction

Distance throwing

Throwing objects as far as possible using proper technique

Technique adaptation

Changing how you throw based on the type of equipment being used

Target direction

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

Consistent use of leading arm in throwing

Improved distance measurements over previous lessons

Ability to self-correct throwing technique

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