Lesson 4 - Underarm Throw Techniques
Object Control & Coordination
•Year 1
•Ball Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use different throwing techniques to send objects accurately to different targets?
Learning Objectives
- To develop underarm and overarm throwing techniques with opposite leg forward
- To understand when to use different throwing techniques based on distance and accuracy needs
- To demonstrate increasing control and accuracy in throwing activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw underarm with correct foot positioning and timing
- Students will throw overarm from sideways position with elbow high
- Students will choose appropriate throwing technique based on target distance
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in baskets around activity areas
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls
Various sizes available for differentiation
Alternative: Large targets, buckets
Used for marking throwing positions and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots
Soft balls for safety in group games
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm swings below waist level with an upward release
A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder with the elbow high
The leg that is different from your throwing arm - left leg for right-handed throwers
Standing with your side towards the target, not facing it directly
The ability to hit your intended target consistently
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic object handling and grip
- Simple throwing movements without specific technique
- Understanding of taking turns and following instructions
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing with opposite leg forward
- Overarm throwing from sideways position
- Decision-making about throwing techniques
Next Steps
- Throwing at moving targets
- Combining throwing with catching skills
- Using throwing in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Opposite leg forward to throwing hand is crucial for both techniques
- Underarm throw uses smooth pendulum motion with release at front leg level
- Overarm throw requires sideways position with high elbow throughout
- Technique selection depends on distance and accuracy requirements
- Safety first - controlled throwing with soft equipment only
- Cooperation and teamwork are as important as individual skill development
- Celebrate effort and improvement, not just natural ability
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking stronger throwing is always better - emphasise accuracy and technique over power
- Believing one throwing technique works for all situations - teach appropriate selection
- Assuming same-side leg stepping is correct - consistently reinforce opposite leg rule
- Expecting immediate success - emphasise that learning takes practice and patience
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger, easier-to-grip equipment, reduced complexity initially, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured beanbags, provide verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for technique cues, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing versions, modified distances, adapted grip techniques, lightweight equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring distances, understanding angles in throwing
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, understanding trajectory and gravity effects
Geography
Directional language, understanding of space and distance
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, perseverance when learning new skills, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all pairs during throwing practice, move around during games
Observation Focus
Watch for opposite leg stepping, high elbow position, and safe throwing direction
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with leg positioning or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from both front and side angles, exaggerate key positions, check individual positioning frequently
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite leg forward!'
- •'High elbow like showing muscles!'
- •'Smooth pendulum swing!'
- •'Choose your technique!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 10m for throwing activities, additional space for games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for overarm throws
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft beanbags and sponge balls only
- •Check hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Ensure adequate supply to avoid sharing during throws
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Being hit by thrown objects
- •Collisions during collection phases
- •Overextension during overarm throws
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established
- •Safe collection procedures taught and practiced
- •Adequate spacing between pairs maintained
- •Soft equipment used throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing activities
- •Monitor collection phases carefully
- •Watch for technique that might cause strain
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, remove hazards