🎖️

Lesson 1 - Throwing Accurately at Targets

Attack & Defence Basics

•

Year 1

•

Invasion Games

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Balls

30 (1 per student minimum)

Distribute evenly between teams for main activity

Alternative: Small foam balls, tennis balls, juggling scarves

Hoops

8-10 large hoops

Place 3-4 metres apart for team games

Alternative: Buckets, boxes, marked circles on floor

Cones

12-16 marker cones

Mark throwing lines and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Bean bags, spots, chalk marks

Buckets

6-8 containers

Various heights and sizes for differentiation

Alternative: Large hoops laid flat, marked targets on wall

Key Vocabulary

Underarm

Throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below shoulder height

Overarm

Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder to release

Target

Something we aim at when throwing, like a hoop or bucket

Accuracy

How close our throw gets to where we're aiming

Opposition

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

Consistent stepping forward with opposite foot

80% accuracy at 3-metre targets

Smooth coordination between step and throw

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