Lesson 3 - Accurate Underarm Throwing
Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Precision
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Different colours to help with organisation
Alternative: Tennis balls, small soft balls
Bright colours for visibility, 70cm diameter minimum
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Different colours for distance markers
Alternative: Bean bags, spots
Simple tally charts with pictures
Alternative: Whiteboard and pens
Key Vocabulary
Throwing action where the arm moves from low to high, releasing the beanbag upwards
Hitting the target you are aiming for
The place you are trying to hit with your throw
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
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