Lesson 1 - Throwing Accurately at Targets
Attack & Defence Basics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
•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 throw accurately to hit targets and work together in games?
Learning Objectives
- Practice throwing at targets accurately using different techniques
- Pass a beanbag between pairs with increasing control
- Demonstrate and explain different ways to throw accurately
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate underarm and overarm throwing techniques
- Students will work cooperatively in pairs to improve accuracy
- Students will apply throwing skills in competitive game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute evenly between teams for main activity
Alternative: Small foam balls, tennis balls, juggling scarves
Place 3-4 metres apart for team games
Alternative: Buckets, boxes, marked circles on floor
Mark throwing lines and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Bean bags, spots, chalk marks
Various heights and sizes for differentiation
Alternative: Large hoops laid flat, marked targets on wall
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below shoulder height
Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder to release
Something we aim at when throwing, like a hoop or bucket
How close our throw gets to where we're aiming
The other team or players we're competing against
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of throwing movements
- Ability to hold and release objects safely
- Following simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Accurate throwing using underarm and overarm techniques
- Stepping forward to generate power in throws
- Working cooperatively with partners
Next Steps
- Throwing while moving
- Catching and immediate throwing combinations
- Strategic thinking in invasion games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always step forward with the foot opposite to throwing arm for power and accuracy
- Use different throwing techniques for different target types and distances
- Keep movements smooth and controlled - imagine throwing precious eggs
- Look at your target before throwing to improve accuracy
- Work cooperatively with partners, celebrating each other's successes
- Practice makes improvement - focus on technique rather than just hitting targets
- Safety first - always check throwing area is clear before releasing beanbag
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking throwing harder always means more accurate - emphasise smooth technique over power
- Believing only overarm throwing is 'proper' throwing - show value of all three techniques
- Assuming you can't improve if you miss targets - focus on technique improvement over immediate success
- Thinking stepping doesn't matter - demonstrate clear difference in power and accuracy with proper footwork
- Believing games are just about winning - emphasise skill development and cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built into activities
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, larger targets initially, verbal cues for sequencing
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent language and instructions
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured beanbags and targets, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, use buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Adapt throwing positions (seated/supported), use larger/lighter beanbags, adjust target distances, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using descriptive language to explain techniques, communication in partnerships
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring distances to targets, basic addition of scores during games
Science
Understanding of forces in throwing, trajectory paths of beanbags, cause and effect in accuracy
PSHE
Working cooperatively, dealing with competition, supporting others, building resilience when techniques are challenging
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around all activity areas for maximum visibility, position at corner during games to see all students
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stepping technique, throwing safety, cooperation in partners, and engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, if students are struggling with cooperation, or if competition becomes too intense
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, demonstrate mistakes as well as correct technique, involve students in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Step with opposite foot!'
- •'Smooth and gentle like an egg!'
- •'Look at your target before throwing!'
- •'Work together with your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 20m clear area for games, additional space for target stations
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are intact with no loose filling
- •Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Cones placed safely away from throwing areas
- •Targets securely positioned and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Beanbags hitting other students
- •Collisions during toilet tag game
- •Students running into throwing areas
- •Unsafe stretching during cool down
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and throwing directions established
- •Students wait behind throwing lines
- •Safe retrieval procedures taught
- •Supervised stretching with proper technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing areas
- •Monitor high-activity zones during games
- •Check individual technique during practice
- •Ensure fair play and safety during competitive activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure safe environment for other students