Lesson 4 - Overarm Throwing Technique
Striking Fundamentals
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw accurately and far?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct overarm throwing technique with accuracy
- To understand how exercise affects our bodies
- To apply throwing skills in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique
- Students will identify physical changes during exercise
- Students will show tactical awareness in throwing games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags made from socks
Use different colours for different activities and team identification
Alternative: Spots, hoops, markers, plastic bottles
Mark clear court boundaries for 'Clear the Court' game
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, painted lines
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder
Step forward with the foot opposite to your throwing arm
The place or person you aim to throw towards
How fast your heart beats, especially during exercise
Player who collects and returns the ball or beanbag
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of warm-up activities
- Experience with underarm throwing
- Ability to follow simple game rules
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique development
- Body awareness during exercise
- Strategic thinking in game situations
Next Steps
- Throwing for greater distance and accuracy
- Catching moving objects
- More complex striking and fielding games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always step forward with opposite foot to throwing arm - this creates power and balance
- Throwing elbow must be level with shoulder height - like reaching for something on a tall shelf
- Point hand directly where you want the beanbag to go - this improves accuracy significantly
- Follow through towards target after release - complete the throwing motion
- In games, throw to empty spaces where opponents are not standing - tactical awareness
- Maintain technique even under game pressure - accuracy is more important than power
- Use overarm throws for distance, underarm throws for close accurate passes
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking throwing harder always means throwing further - correct technique creates distance
- Using same foot as throwing arm - this reduces power and balance significantly
- Aiming high to get distance - horizontal throws with good technique travel further
- Focusing only on arm movement - whole body coordination creates effective throwing
- Believing underarm and overarm throws are equally effective - each has specific uses
- Throwing at people in games - strategic placement in empty spaces is more effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, fidget tools available during discussions
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique focus (one element at a time), additional practice time, visual cues for foot positioning, larger target areas
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson, quiet zones available, consistent routines, advance notice of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured beanbags, verbal cues for direction, buddy system for guidance, tactile cone markers
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, adapted distances, alternative scoring methods, peer assistance available
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting jumps and scores, measuring distances, understanding greater than/less than when comparing heart rates
Science
Understanding how exercise affects heart rate and body temperature, exploring forces in throwing
Geography
Directional language (forward, backward, left, right), spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, encouraging others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activity areas to observe all students, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct overarm technique, safe throwing directions, positive peer interactions, and progression in skill development
Intervention Points
Step in to correct unsafe throwing, provide individual technique coaching, manage group dynamics, and modify activities for inclusion
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate overarm technique slowly and clearly, use students as examples when appropriate, emphasise key technique points through exaggerated movements
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Elbow up high!'
- •'Point where you want it to go!'
- •'Step, elbow, point, throw!'
- •'Throw to empty spaces!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, preferably outdoor hard surface or indoor hall
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from holes, obstacles, or debris. Check for adequate grip for running and stopping.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Beanbags checked for secure stitching and appropriate filling
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Equipment distributed safely around perimeter when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during active games
- •Being struck by thrown beanbags
- •Slips and falls during running activities
- •Overexertion during high-energy activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Emphasis on throwing to spaces, not at people
- •Adequate spacing between students and groups
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular hydration breaks if needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor throwing techniques for safety and effectiveness
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Be ready to modify activities for individual needs
Emergency Procedures
Standard school procedures for injuries - stop activity, assess, provide appropriate first aid, report as required