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Lesson 5 - Overarm Throwing with Run-up

Whole-Body Athletics Basics

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Year 1

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we throw further and safer by using our whole body?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm throwing technique with proper body positioning
To practice throwing with a run-up to increase distance
To understand and apply safety rules during throwing activities

Key Outcomes

Students will throw using correct overarm technique
Students will combine running with throwing to achieve greater distance
Students will demonstrate safe practices and comment on others' techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Javelins

1 per 2 students (15)

Arranged safely in throwing area collection point

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam throwing sticks

Hoops

7 hoops

Placed at varying distances in safe throwing zone

Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, rope circles

Wall Bars

5 bars

20cm gaps between bars for springy jumps

Alternative: Pool noodles, rope, canes

Hurdles

4-6 hurdles

6m apart in straight line with safety zones

Alternative: Cones with canes, foam barriers

PE Equipment

2 cones + 1 cane

Cane rests loosely on cones for easy displacement

Alternative: Rope between cones, elastic band

SAQ Ladders

2 ladders

Flat on ground with clear approach areas

Alternative: Chalk ladders, tape markers on ground

Relay Baton

8 batons

One per team, stored at each relay station

Alternative: Foam tubes, bean bags, tennis balls

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a downward arc

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing movement after releasing the object

Sideways stance

Standing with non-throwing side facing the target

Run-up

The approach run before throwing to build momentum

Parallel

Keeping the javelin level and straight with the ground

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing patterns
Standing throwing with bean bags
Understanding of aiming and direction

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique development
Body positioning and alignment
Run-up coordination with release

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques
Competitive throwing events
Measuring and recording distances

Milestone Indicators

Consistent sideways stance

Smooth run-up to throw transition

Accurate technical language use

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing requires sideways body positioning for maximum power
Javelin must remain parallel to ground for accuracy and safety
Follow-through is essential for technique development and distance
Technical vocabulary use demonstrates deeper understanding
Circuit rotation system builds independence and responsibility
Peer assessment develops analytical and communication skills
Safety protocols are non-negotiable in athletics activities

Common Misconceptions

Face-on throwing position is more accurate - actually reduces power significantly
Throwing harder always means throwing further - technique is more important
High jump bar should be rigid - must fall easily for safety
Only successful attempts should be celebrated - effort and technique improvement matter more
Technical language is only for older students - Year 1 can learn and use appropriate vocabulary

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes, active role responsibilities, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer buddy support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks

visual impairment

Bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of technique, tactile guidance for position

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, seated throwing variations, alternative jumping activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, descriptive language for movement

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, counting jumps and attempts, timing activities

Science

Forces in throwing - push and pull, trajectory and gravity effects

Geography

Direction and angles in throwing, spatial awareness and positioning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during circuits for maximum visibility, close supervision of throwing station

Observation Focus

Technical development in throwing, safe practices, peer interaction quality

Intervention Points

Incorrect throwing technique, unsafe equipment use, negative peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show incorrect then correct technique, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways stance!'
•'Parallel javelin!'
•'Follow through!'
•'Safe collection!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear throwing zone

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of water, obstacles, or uneven areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Only foam javelins used - no hard implements
•High jump bar must fall easily when touched
•Hurdles appropriate height and easily displaced
•Jumping bars secure but safe if contacted

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Javelin throwing - risk of striking others
•Jumping activities - falls and collisions
•Circuit rotations - student management and awareness

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing boundaries with collection protocol
•Supervised circuit rotations with stop signals
•Safety briefing before each activity
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility
•Buddy system for equipment setup/pack away

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Central position during circuit activities
•Clear sight lines to throwing area
•Active movement between stations
•Emergency stop whistle ready

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, incident reporting if required