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Lesson 8 - Throwing for Accuracy

Movement Skills Exploration

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we aim our throws to hit exactly where we want them to go?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing for accuracy using underarm and overarm techniques
To understand how hand position affects throw direction
To practice stepping forward with opposite foot when throwing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy through pointing hand at target
Students will step forward with opposite foot consistently when throwing
Students will adjust throwing force based on target distance

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

18 (3 per group)

Distribute evenly among groups, bright colours preferred

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or soft throwing objects

Cones

10 (various sizes)

Mix of different coloured cones for variety

Alternative: Markers, hoops, or targets

Speed Ladders

Lay flat on ground, secure edges if outdoors

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope ladders, or marked squares

Tennis Balls

For rolling activities only

Alternative: Soft play balls or rubber balls

Targets

4-6 targets

Various heights between 0.5m and 1.5m

Alternative: Hula hoops hung on fence, chalk circles, or paper targets

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing with arm swinging from below, like bowling

Overarm throw

Throwing with arm coming over the top, like cricket

Opposite foot

The foot that is different from your throwing hand

Target

The place you are trying to hit with your throw

Accuracy

Hitting exactly where you aim

Release point

The moment you let go of the beanbag

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing with large targets
Understanding of personal space
Following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Pointing hand towards target after release
Stepping forward with opposite foot
Adjusting throwing force for distance

Next Steps

Throwing with greater accuracy at speed
Combining throwing with catching skills
Team throwing and catching games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hits large targets from 3 metres

Uses opposite foot stepping automatically

Can explain what makes a good throw

Key Teaching Points

Point your hand at your target after releasing the throw
Step forward with the foot opposite to your throwing arm
Adjust your throwing force based on target distance
Use underarm throws for rolling and low targets
Use overarm throws for higher targets and greater distance
Practice good sportsmanship in competitive activities
Adapt your technique based on the specific challenge

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking harder always means more accurate - emphasise control over power
Using same-side foot when throwing - demonstrate and practice opposite foot stepping
Believing only overarm throws are 'proper' throwing - show value of both techniques
Focusing only on results not technique - redirect attention to process and improvement
Thinking throwing is just about arm strength - emphasise whole body coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks between stations

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of stations, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and commands

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured beanbags and targets, provide audio cues for target direction, use tactile markers for start positions

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances, provide seated throwing options, use larger or softer equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion - how harder throws travel further, gravity affecting ball flight, cause and effect relationships

Geography

Direction and position, spatial awareness, understanding of distance and measurement

PSHE

Taking turns fairly, celebrating others' success, dealing with disappointment, working collaboratively in teams

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during warm-up, move between stations during practice, return to central for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for throwing technique, safety awareness, collaborative working, and individual progress

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, technique correction, or behaviour management as needed

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from side view for throwing techniques, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Point your hand at your target!'
•'Step with your opposite foot!'
•'Increase your arm swing for distance!'
•'Control your throw for accuracy!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall with 3m ceiling height

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags for splits or loose contents
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify tennis balls are not too hard or damaged
•Check speed ladders are flat and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up activities
•Being struck by thrown objects
•Slips and falls during movement
•Overcrowding at stations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and throwing directions established
•One thrower per group at designated times
•Adequate spacing between all stations
•Clear collection and throwing commands
•Soft equipment used throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all stations simultaneously
•Monitor throwing directions and timing
•Watch for fatigue or frustration
•Ensure equipment sharing protocols followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle/voice command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed