Lesson 1 - Underarm Throwing with Accuracy
Foundation Hand-Ball Skills Through Playful Precision
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
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How can we use our hands to send objects accurately to our friends?
Learning Objectives
- To introduce and develop underarm throwing technique with beanbags
- To understand the importance of accuracy when throwing to a target
- To demonstrate controlled catching with hands as targets
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to throw a beanbag underarm towards their partner
- Students will be able to catch using hands as targets
- Students will understand why accuracy is important in throwing games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls
Set up gates (2 cones, 1 metre apart) throughout space
Alternative: Markers, spots
Available for advanced students
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls
For additional target practice if needed
Alternative: Targets drawn with chalk
Key Vocabulary
A throwing action where the hand moves from low to high, releasing below shoulder height
Throwing or sending an object exactly where you want it to go
Something we aim at when throwing - partner's hands, hoops, or gates
Making your hands into a target shape for your partner to throw to
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling from EYFS
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple bouncing and rolling skills
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing technique
- Accurate throwing to targets
- Catching with hands as targets
- Collaborative partner work
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing introduction
- Throwing at moving targets
- Simple invasion game concepts
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Step forward with opposite foot when throwing underarm
- Swing arm from low to high like a pendulum
- Release beanbag below shoulder height
- Create catching targets with spread fingers and hands apart
- Accuracy is more important than power or speed
- Encourage partners and celebrate successes together
- Count only successful throws that go through gate AND are caught
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking overarm is better than underarm - explain underarm is more accurate for short distances
- Believing throwing hard equals throwing well - emphasise control and accuracy over power
- Assuming catching is just grabbing - teach proper target hand positioning
- Thinking games are just for fun - connect skills to real sports and daily life activities
- One failed throw means they're bad at it - emphasise practice and improvement over perfection
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment initially, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured beanbags, audio cues for throwing direction, tactile markers for gate positions
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on display
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, larger targets, modified distances, alternative grip aids
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, new vocabulary development, describing actions and techniques
Maths
Counting successful throws, understanding sequences (10, 9, 8...), measuring distances and spatial relationships
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory of objects, cause and effect relationships
PSHE
Collaboration skills, encouraging others, dealing with success and disappointment, fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between pairs during activities, position at corners for maximum visibility during explanations
Observation Focus
Watch for step-forward action, low-to-high arm swing, and target tracking with eyes
Intervention Points
Step in if students revert to overarm throwing, provide immediate technique correction, support frustrated partnerships
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate in slow motion first, use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and swing!'
- •'Low to high like a pendulum!'
- •'Aim at your partner's hands!'
- •'Make a big target for catching!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m, preferably sports hall or large classroom space
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are not split or leaking filling
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify small balls are appropriate size (not choking hazard)
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement
- •Beanbags or balls hitting students in face
- •Slips and falls on smooth surfaces
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
- •Underarm throwing keeps projectiles low
- •Progressive skill building before competitive elements
- •Constant supervision and technique monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all pairs
- •Monitor technique to prevent overarm throws
- •Watch for student fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure equipment sharing is safe and fair
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified