Lesson 8 - Throwing for Accuracy
Movement Skills Exploration
•Year 1
•Athletics
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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
Distribute evenly among groups, bright colours preferred
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or soft throwing objects
Mix of different coloured cones for variety
Alternative: Markers, hoops, or targets
Lay flat on ground, secure edges if outdoors
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope ladders, or marked squares
For rolling activities only
Alternative: Soft play balls or rubber balls
Various heights between 0.5m and 1.5m
Alternative: Hula hoops hung on fence, chalk circles, or paper targets
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with arm swinging from below, like bowling
Throwing with arm coming over the top, like cricket
The foot that is different from your throwing hand
The place you are trying to hit with your throw
Hitting exactly where you aim
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
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