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Lesson 6 - Throwing and Catching Coordination

Foundation Ball Control and Multi-Body Coordination

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Year 1

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Distributed around teaching area perimeter and for activity markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Initially placed on cones around teaching area

Alternative: Soft tennis balls, foam balls, or size 3 footballs

Balls

4 (optional)

Available for students needing easier catching option

Alternative: Soft toys, juggling balls, or rolled socks

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing technique with arm swinging below shoulder height in pendulum motion

Tracking

Following the ball's path with eyes and moving body to intercept

Coordination

Working different body parts together smoothly and efficiently

Two-handed catch

Catching technique using both hands together to secure the ball

Opposite foot forward

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

Consistent catch with two hands from 3m distance

Accurate underarm throw to stationary target

Smooth coordination between throwing and catching movements

Ability to track and position for moving ball

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