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Lesson 1 - Underarm Throwing with Accuracy

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 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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls

Cones

40-50

Set up gates (2 cones, 1 metre apart) throughout space

Alternative: Markers, spots

Small Balls

10 (for extension)

Available for advanced students

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

Hoops

10 (optional)

For additional target practice if needed

Alternative: Targets drawn with chalk

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throwing action where the hand moves from low to high, releasing below shoulder height

Accuracy

Throwing or sending an object exactly where you want it to go

Target

Something we aim at when throwing - partner's hands, hoops, or gates

Catching target

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

Consistent step-forward action when throwing

Eyes tracking the beanbag to target

Hands automatically forming catching target

Understanding consequence of inaccurate throws

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