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Lesson 3 - Accurate Underarm Throwing

Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Precision

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Year 1

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to make accurate throws that help our team succeed?

Learning Objectives

Develop accurate underarm throwing technique towards targets at varying distances
Apply throwing skills in competitive team situations
Understand the importance of accuracy in target games

Key Outcomes

Students will throw beanbags accurately using underarm technique
Students will keep score and work cooperatively in teams
Students will understand the consequences of accurate and inaccurate throws

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Different colours to help with organisation

Alternative: Tennis balls, small soft balls

Hoops

11 large hoops

Bright colours for visibility, 70cm diameter minimum

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones

40 marker cones

Different colours for distance markers

Alternative: Bean bags, spots

Score Sheets

1 per team

Simple tally charts with pictures

Alternative: Whiteboard and pens

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing action where the arm moves from low to high, releasing the beanbag upwards

Accuracy

Hitting the target you are aiming for

Target

The place you are trying to hit with your throw

Aiming

Looking at and pointing your body towards where you want the beanbag to go

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic beanbag handling and simple throwing
Understanding of personal space and safety
Basic counting and number recognition

Current Skills

Accurate underarm throwing technique
Target selection and tactical thinking
Score keeping and fair play

Next Steps

Throwing at moving targets
Catching and throwing combinations
Advanced target games with multiple objectives

Milestone Indicators

Consistent underarm throwing action

Accurate throws at 2-3 metre distances

Understanding of scoring systems

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing technique: step forward with opposite foot, swing arm low to high, release pointing to target
Accuracy is achieved through looking at target, using whole body alignment, and consistent technique
Teamwork requires both partners to succeed before progressing to next challenge
Strategic thinking involves choosing appropriate targets based on personal ability and game situation
Sportsmanship includes encouraging teammates, honest scorekeeping, and celebrating all achievements
Progressive challenge helps build confidence while maintaining engagement
Force adjustment for different distances while maintaining correct technique

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only the arm is used in throwing - correct by emphasising whole body involvement
Believing harder throws are always better - teach appropriate force for distance
Assuming overarm throws are more accurate - reinforce benefits of underarm technique
Focusing only on winning rather than technique improvement - emphasise personal progress
Thinking accuracy is just luck - demonstrate how technique creates consistency
Believing they must hit the hardest target to be successful - teach strategic target selection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, specific roles in teams to maintain focus, immediate feedback and celebration, movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Larger targets and shorter distances initially, break down throwing action into smaller steps, extra practice time before competitive elements, peer modelling and support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, defined personal spaces marked with spots, consistent routines for equipment collection, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of target locations, use tactile markers for cone positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards with pictures, use visual signals for start/stop, peer support for communication

physical disability

Modified throwing distances based on individual ability, alternative targets at appropriate heights, seated throwing positions if needed, adapted equipment like larger beanbags

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and totals, measuring distances with non-standard units, addition of team points, comparing numbers and values

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, gravity affecting beanbag flight path, energy transfer from body to beanbag

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, understanding distance and proximity, mapping throwing trajectories

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty, perseverance when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students are visible, move between teams during activities, use central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, safe spacing, positive team dynamics, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorates significantly, address unsafe behaviour immediately, support struggling partnerships

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Step and swing!'
•'Look at your target!'
•'Low to high!'
•'Team work together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 10m, clear of obstacles with sufficient ceiling height for throwing arcs

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from trip hazards, adequate lighting for target visibility

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft beanbags checked for secure stitching
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students in throwing areas
•Beanbags hitting students not paying attention
•Slips from overenthusiastic throwing actions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
•One thrower per team active at a time
•Safe spectating zones marked and enforced
•Underarm throwing technique reduces impact force

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing areas
•Circulate between teams during activities
•Monitor for safe equipment handling

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear area if necessary