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Lesson 4 - Core Strength and Throwing Accuracy

Movement Exploration Skills

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How do our core muscles help us throw accurately and move with control?

Learning Objectives

Practise and perform a wide variety of core strength movements
Suggest where core strength exercises are relevant to other physical activities
Improve throwing accuracy using core stability

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of where their core muscles are located
Students will perform core strength positions with improved technique
Students will show increased throwing accuracy through better body control

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed in equipment area for collection

Alternative: Small balls, playground balls

Hoops

8-10 medium hoops

Scattered randomly across width of hall for Activity 1

Alternative: Cones, chalk circles on playground

Gymnastics Mats

15-20 mats

Distributed around space for core work and shoulder stands

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels

Stopwatch

Keep with teacher for timing challenges

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Softballs

15 (half class size)

For dribblers in warm-up activity

Alternative: Large playground balls, basketballs

Key Vocabulary

Core muscles

The muscles around your middle that help keep your body strong and stable

The Dish

A core position lying on your back, curved like a dish with arms and legs lifted

The Arch

A core position lying on your front, curved like a bridge with chest and legs lifted

Shoulder Stand

A balanced position with legs up in the air, supported by shoulders

Accuracy

Being able to hit your target where you aim

Stability

Being steady and controlled in your movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of body parts
Simple throwing movements
Following movement instructions
Basic balance and coordination

Current Skills

Core muscle identification and engagement
Static core strength positions
Accurate throwing with body control
Understanding core muscles in daily life

Next Steps

Dynamic core movements
Combining core strength with throwing in games
Using core strength in running and jumping
Advanced throwing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Can hold dish position for 15+ seconds

Can perform shoulder stand with control

Throws consistently hit targets from 3 metres

Can explain core muscle use in 3 different activities

Key Teaching Points

Core muscles are around your middle and help keep your body strong and stable
Engage core muscles before throwing for better accuracy and control
Quality of position is more important than how long you can hold it
Breathing normally helps maintain core positions longer
Core strength helps in many daily activities, not just PE
Progressive development is key - don't rush into advanced positions
Partner work requires gentle, controlled movements for safety

Common Misconceptions

Students may think core muscles are only stomach muscles - explain they wrap around the whole middle
Some may believe holding breath helps with strength - teach normal breathing
Students might think harder throwing means better throwing - emphasise control and accuracy
Some may assume core exercises are only for gymnastics - connect to all sports and daily life
Students may think they need to achieve perfect positions immediately - emphasise gradual improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, use variety to maintain engagement, offer leadership roles

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, provide additional practice time, use peer support, break down complex movements into steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, maintain predictable timing

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured hoops and bean bags, provide verbal descriptions of positions, use tactile guidance for core positions

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines

physical disability

Modify core positions for seated/supported versions, adjust throwing distances, provide alternative strength exercises

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning new vocabulary (core, stability, accuracy), following instructions, describing physical sensations

Maths

Counting seconds for holds, measuring throwing distances, estimating angles for accurate throws

Science

Understanding muscles and how they work, body systems during exercise, forces in throwing movements

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience, supporting classmates, understanding body awareness and self-care

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around class during core exercises to provide individual feedback, position near shoulder stand area for safety monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for correct core engagement, safe shoulder stand progression, throwing technique using core stability

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt unsafe shoulder stands, correct throwing technique, manage competitive pressure appropriately

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all core positions clearly, emphasise safety in shoulder stands, show throwing technique with core engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Tighten those tummy muscles!'
•'Breathe normally, don't hold your breath!'
•'Slow and controlled movements!'
•'Listen to your body - stop when you need to!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles with adequate ceiling height for shoulder stands

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for core work, dry and clean area free from hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check mats are clean and in good condition
•Ensure bean bags are soft and appropriate size
•Verify hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Confirm footballs are properly inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Neck injury during shoulder stands
•Muscle strain from overexertion
•Collisions during throwing activities
•Falls during partner activities

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive shoulder stand teaching with clear safety boundaries
•Maximum 30-second holds to prevent overexertion
•Clear throwing zones and controlled release
•Supervised partner work with gentle touch only

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to monitor shoulder stand technique closely
•Circulate during core exercises to check positioning
•Watch throwing activities for safe technique and spacing

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student reports pain, particularly neck/back discomfort. Follow school's injury protocol.