Lesson 6 - Throwing and Catching Coordination
Foundation Ball Control and Multi-Body Coordination
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
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How can we coordinate our body movements to successfully send and receive a ball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop coordination and technique when throwing and catching
- To apply throwing and catching skills in game situations
- To work cooperatively with partners and small groups
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate coordinated throwing and catching movements
- Students will show improved accuracy when throwing to targets
- Students will track moving balls and position themselves to catch
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around teaching area perimeter and for activity markers
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries
Initially placed on cones around teaching area
Alternative: Soft tennis balls, foam balls, or size 3 footballs
Available for students needing easier catching option
Alternative: Soft toys, juggling balls, or rolled socks
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm swinging below shoulder height in pendulum motion
Following the ball's path with eyes and moving body to intercept
Working different body parts together smoothly and efficiently
Catching technique using both hands together to secure the ball
Stepping forward with the foot opposite to throwing arm for balance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills
- Simple throwing movements
- Awareness of personal space
Current Skills
- Coordinated throwing technique
- Two-handed catching
- Tracking moving objects
- Underarm throwing accuracy
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing techniques
- Catching balls from different angles
- Throwing while moving
- Invasion game applications
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Opposite foot forward when throwing for balance and accuracy
- Two-handed catching with fingers spread wide creates secure 'basket'
- Watch the ball throughout its flight path from release to catch
- Controlled throwing is more important than powerful throwing
- Communication with teammates prevents collisions and improves success
- Persistence and practice lead to improvement - celebrate effort over outcome
- Body coordination improves through regular practice and proper technique
Common Misconceptions
- Harder throwing equals better throwing - emphasise control and accuracy instead
- One-handed catching looks cooler - explain safety and success benefits of two hands
- Looking away while catching shows confidence - reinforce importance of watching ball
- Competition means being mean to opponents - promote good sportsmanship throughout
- Making mistakes means you're bad at sport - frame errors as learning opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment, step-by-step task breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, audible balls with bells, verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching options, larger/softer balls, reduced distances, adaptive equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces in throwing (push/pull), gravity affecting ball flight, hand-eye coordination and reaction time
Geography
Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement around squares and areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, persistence and resilience, communication skills, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, position at corner during partner work for best oversight
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique, safe movement patterns, positive interaction, and individual progress
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too forceful, if students show frustration, or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate common mistakes then correct technique, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Two hands for catching!'
- •'Soft throws, perfect catches!'
- •'Talk to your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and sudden stops
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify beanbags are securely stitched
- •Confirm adequate equipment for group size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running activities
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and falls when moving to catch
- •Overcrowding in activity areas
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing maintained between groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Emphasis on controlled throwing - not power
- •Running routes clearly defined and practiced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for students becoming overexcited
- •Intervene early if technique deteriorates
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely under supervision