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Lesson 2 - 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 throw a beanbag accurately to help our team succeed?

Learning Objectives

Develop underarm throwing technique with beanbags
Apply throwing skills accurately in team game situations
Understand the importance of accuracy when throwing to a target

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate underarm throwing with increasing control
Students will successfully throw beanbags to targets and team members
Students will understand why accuracy is important in team games

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

30 (1 per student plus extras)

Store centrally for easy collection and redistribution

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, or sock balls

Hoops

8 large hoops

Place around perimeter of activity area

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or hula hoops

Cones

13 cones (8 for Golden Egg Cup, 5 for Beat the Beanbag)

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Plastic bottles, markers, or bean bags as markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the ball is released from below shoulder height in an upward motion

Target

The specific area or person you are aiming to throw the beanbag towards

Accuracy

Being able to throw the beanbag exactly where you want it to go

Dominant hand

The hand you prefer to use for throwing and writing

Stepping forward

Moving one foot towards your target as you throw

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic familiarity with holding and releasing objects
Understanding of simple game rules and taking turns
Recognition of dominant hand preference

Current Skills

Underarm throwing technique development
Target accuracy and aiming skills
Team cooperation and communication

Next Steps

Overarm throwing techniques
Catching skills with moving targets
Advanced team game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent underarm release from low to high

90% success rate at 2-metre target distance

Natural stepping forward with opposite foot

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing technique: sideways stance, pendulum arm motion, step forward with opposite foot, low-to-high release
Accuracy development: look at target, control force, practice consistent technique, understand consequences of poor throws
Team cooperation: encourage teammates, take turns fairly, celebrate others' success, work together toward common goals
Safety awareness: appropriate force levels, controlled movements, awareness of others during equipment collection
Progressive skill building: individual practice before team games, technique before competition, understanding before application

Common Misconceptions

Throwing harder will automatically make throws more accurate - emphasise control and technique over force
Overarm throwing is always better than underarm - explain when underarm is more appropriate and accurate
Competition is only about winning - focus on skill development and teamwork as primary goals
Missing targets means failure - reframe as learning opportunities and celebrate improvement attempts
Only dominant hand should be used for throwing - encourage experimentation with both hands for motor development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks between skills practice, clear visual boundaries for activity areas

dyspraxia

Larger beanbags for easier handling, extra practice time for technique, simplified movement patterns, peer buddy support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, consistent routines and expectations, quiet reflection time available, predictable team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured beanbags and cones, provide verbal descriptions of layout and targets, assign sighted buddy for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game start/stop, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated throwing version from wheelchair or chair, adapted distances and targets, larger beanbags for easier grip, modified game rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive language to explain throwing technique, communication in team settings

Maths

Counting beanbags in team scores, measuring distances from cone to hoop, understanding concepts of accuracy and estimation

Science

Forces in throwing - push and pull, trajectory and gravity effects on beanbag flight, cause and effect relationships

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, handling competition positively, resilience when facing challenges, encouraging others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area for optimal visibility of all teams, position near central beanbag collection during Golden Egg Cup for safety monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent underarm throwing technique, appropriate force levels, team cooperation, and safety awareness during equipment collection

Intervention Points

Step in if students revert to overarm throwing, if competitive pressure causes unsafe play, or if team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated underarm motions for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, model positive team communication and encouragement throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your magic 4 steps!' when technique falters
•'Gentle underarm throws!' if force levels too high
•'Aim for the target!' to refocus on accuracy
•'Encourage your teammates!' to promote positive team dynamics

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all beanbags are in good condition with no tears or loose filling
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify hoops are intact and positioned securely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during central beanbag collection in Golden Egg Cup
•Slips and falls during excitement of competitive games
•Impact injuries from beanbags thrown with excessive force
•Trips over equipment during game transitions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around all activity areas
•Controlled entry to central collection area with turn-taking system
•Emphasis on underarm throwing technique to control force levels
•Adequate spacing between team areas to prevent interference
•Progressive skill building from individual to team activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all team areas during games
•Monitor central collection area closely during Golden Egg Cup
•Watch for appropriate force levels in all throwing activities
•Ensure equipment is properly stored during transitions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, ensure other students are safely positioned away from incident