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Lesson 4 - Overarm Throwing Technique

Striking Fundamentals

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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Big Question

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

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags made from socks

Cones

30 (various colours preferred)

Use different colours for different activities and team identification

Alternative: Spots, hoops, markers, plastic bottles

Sun Markers

Mark clear court boundaries for 'Clear the Court' game

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder

Opposite foot

Step forward with the foot opposite to your throwing arm

Target

The place or person you aim to throw towards

Heart rate

How fast your heart beats, especially during exercise

Fielder

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

Consistent step forward with opposite foot

Throwing elbow at shoulder height

Accurate pointing towards target

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