Lesson 5 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy
Object Control & Coordination
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we work together to throw and catch accurately while staying safe?
Learning Objectives
- To throw underarm and overarm with increasing accuracy to a partner
- To negotiate space successfully when playing chasing games
- To create effective targets with hands when receiving throws
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy over short distances
- Students will show safe spatial awareness during active games
- Students will create and use the 'W' hand position for catching
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Small pieces of fabric, bandanas, bean bags
Keep in central equipment station
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, soft playground balls
Ready for game activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves, wristbands
Mark activity boundaries and safe zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, boundary markers
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with hand starting low and moving upwards
Throwing with hand starting high and moving forward
Hand position for catching with fingers spread like the letter W
The area you aim for when throwing
Moving quickly without running, keeping one foot on ground
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic object handling and simple throwing
- Following simple movement instructions
- Understanding personal space concepts
Current Skills
- Accurate underarm and overarm throwing
- Effective catching using target hand position
- Safe navigation during active games
Next Steps
- Throwing and catching while moving
- Accurate throwing over longer distances
- Complex team games involving object manipulation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball starts low by knees for upward trajectory in underarm throwing
- W-hand position with relaxed, spread fingers for effective catching
- Opposite leg forward to throwing arm for better balance and accuracy
- Eyes track object from throw to catch for better success rate
- Speed walking maintains safety while adding game challenge
- Partnership cooperation is essential for throwing and catching success
- Spatial awareness prevents collisions during active games
Common Misconceptions
- Throwing hard makes it more accurate - teach controlled, aimed throws instead
- Catching is just grabbing - emphasise proper hand positioning and tracking
- Running makes games more fun - explain why speed walking is safer and still exciting
- Only the thrower affects success - highlight how both partners contribute to catching success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries marked visually, regular movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Break skills into smaller steps, extra practice time, use of larger equipment initially
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedules, quiet zones available, consistent routines and signals
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game changes, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distances, provide seated throwing options, use larger/lighter balls as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, describing technique, discussion and reflection
Maths
Counting catches in time challenges, measuring 1.5m distances, angles of throwing
Science
Forces in throwing, gravity affecting ball flight, hand-eye coordination
PSHE
Cooperation with partners, perseverance when learning skills, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around activity area to observe all pairs, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for throwing technique, hand position for catching, spatial awareness during games
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too forceful, if students struggle with technique, or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for all techniques. Show correct and incorrect examples to highlight key points.
Verbal Cues
- •'Aim for the hands!'
- •'Ball starts low, goes up!'
- •'Make your W with your fingers!'
- •'Speed walk only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, larger for games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls appropriate for age group
- •Scarves/bibs checked for tears or hard parts
- •Equipment stored safely when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to face or body
- •Collisions during movement games
- •Trips and falls during speed walking
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise gentle throwing - never throw hard at people
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
- •Speed walking only - no running allowed
- •Proper demonstration of all activities before practice
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during games
- •Monitor throwing force and technique
- •Watch for safe spatial awareness during movement
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed