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Lesson 6 - Throwing and Catching Mastery

Body Parts & Equipment Skills

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Year 1

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Sending and Receiving

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Big Question

How can we work together to send and catch the ball safely and accurately?

Learning Objectives

To be able to throw and catch using correct technique
To develop coordination when sending and receiving balls
To apply catching and throwing skills in simple game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will catch a ball after one bounce using two hands
Students will throw a ball towards a target with increasing accuracy
Students will demonstrate cooperation and communication during partner work

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Place in mesh bag at activity area

Alternative: Large sponge balls, beach balls for easier catching

Cones

Scattered around activity area for warm-up

Alternative: Spots, bean bags, or hoops

Small Balls

15 (for extension)

Keep separate for differentiation activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

Throwing the ball so it bounces once before reaching your partner

W-shape hands

Making a W with thumbs and fingers when catching or passing

Target

The place or person you are aiming to throw the ball towards

Intercept

To catch or stop a pass that was meant for someone else

Space

An empty area where you can move safely

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple throwing movements

Current Skills

Two-handed catching after bounce
Accurate throwing to targets
Moving to receive passes
Basic game application

Next Steps

Catching balls without bounce
One-handed catching
Throwing with non-dominant hand
More complex game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed catching stance

Follows flight of ball with eyes

Shows W-shape hand position

Demonstrates spatial awareness

Key Teaching Points

Always use two hands when catching - make a W-shape with thumbs together
Watch the ball all the way into your hands, don't look away
Bounce passes should hit the ground halfway between partners
Pull the ball into your body after catching for security
Communication is key - make sure your partner is ready before throwing
Move to find good spaces when playing games, don't just stand still
Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities

Common Misconceptions

One hand is enough for catching - reinforce two-handed technique always
Harder throws are better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
Bouncing anywhere is fine - teach specific halfway point targeting
You can't catch if you're not athletic - build confidence through progressive success
Games are about winning - focus on skill development and fun participation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier success, break down skills into smaller steps, provide additional practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, allow for sensory breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright yellow or orange balls for contrast, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Seated catching and throwing options, use lighter balls or bean bags, adjust distances according to ability

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movements, communication with partners

Maths

Counting successful catches, measuring distances with paces, understanding patterns in bounce height

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, cause and effect in throwing force and distance, observation and prediction skills

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, dealing with frustration when skills don't work, celebrating others' successes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct W-shape hand position, eye-tracking of ball flight, and safe spacing between students

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too vigourous, if students show frustration, or if safety spacing breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements so all can see, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for clarity, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands, make a W!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Gentle throw to your partner!'
•'Eyes up, find the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area minimum 20m x 15m clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from loose objects or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check playground balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Inspect cones for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure balls are appropriate size for Year 1 hands

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions when moving to catch balls
•Tripping over cones or equipment
•Overexertion in competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise two-handed catching to protect face
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs/groups
•Start with gentle throws and progress gradually
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all activity areas simultaneously
•Monitor throwing force and technique
•Watch for students becoming frustrated or overwhelmed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle/voice command, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, have contact details for school medical staff available