Lesson 4 - Core Strength and Throwing Accuracy
Movement Exploration Skills
•Year 1
•Athletics
•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 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
Distributed in equipment area for collection
Alternative: Small balls, playground balls
Scattered randomly across width of hall for Activity 1
Alternative: Cones, chalk circles on playground
Distributed around space for core work and shoulder stands
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels
Keep with teacher for timing challenges
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock
For dribblers in warm-up activity
Alternative: Large playground balls, basketballs
Key Vocabulary
The muscles around your middle that help keep your body strong and stable
A core position lying on your back, curved like a dish with arms and legs lifted
A core position lying on your front, curved like a bridge with chest and legs lifted
A balanced position with legs up in the air, supported by shoulders
Being able to hit your target where you aim
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
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.