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Lesson 5 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy

Object Control & Coordination

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Year 1

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Scarves

1 per pair (15)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Small pieces of fabric, bandanas, bean bags

Balloon Balls

1 per pair (15)

Keep in central equipment station

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, soft playground balls

Coloured Bibs

6 for taggers

Ready for game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves, wristbands

Cones

8-10

Mark activity boundaries and safe zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, boundary markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing with hand starting low and moving upwards

Overarm throw

Throwing with hand starting high and moving forward

W-position

Hand position for catching with fingers spread like the letter W

Target

The area you aim for when throwing

Speed walk

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

Consistent accuracy over 1.5m distance

Successful catches using W-position

Safe movement without collisions

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