Lesson 3 - Underarm Throwing Skills
Striking Fundamentals
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we improve our accuracy when throwing and catching to help our team succeed?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accuracy and consistency in underarm throwing technique
- To improve catching skills with different equipment and in various situations
- To apply throwing and catching skills in simple game contexts
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved underarm throwing technique with correct footwork
- Students will successfully catch balls and beanbags using appropriate hand positioning
- Students will show understanding of how throwing and catching skills apply in games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling balls
Half the number of students for pair work activities
Alternative: Foam balls, rubber playground balls
Used for creating boundaries and marking positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags as markers
Available for extension activities and support modifications
Alternative: Hoops for targets, different sized balls for differentiation
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward motion
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready to catch
Using both hands together to secure the ball, forming a 'W' shape with fingers
The continuation of movement after releasing the ball, pointing towards target
Following the ball's flight path with your eyes from throw to catch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of throwing and catching
- Ability to follow simple instructions
- Experience with holding and releasing balls
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing with correct stance and follow-through
- Two-handed catching with appropriate hand positioning
- Moving feet to intercept balls
Next Steps
- Throwing and catching under pressure in games
- One-handed catching techniques
- Strategic placement of throws
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Underarm throwing requires opposite foot forward for balance and power
- Catching is most successful with two hands ready, watching ball into hands
- Accuracy improves when students point their fingertips toward target on release
- Ready position with feet apart and knees bent prepares body for quick reactions
- Moving feet to meet the ball significantly improves catching success
- Controlled, smooth throwing actions are more accurate than rushed, hard throws
- Positive encouragement and patience lead to faster skill development than criticism
Common Misconceptions
- Students think throwing harder equals more accuracy - emphasise control over power
- Many attempt one-handed catches due to media influence - consistently reinforce two-handed technique
- Some believe they should step forward with same-side foot as throwing hand - repeatedly demonstrate and practice opposite foot rule
- Students often look away from ball during catching - stress importance of tracking ball all the way into hands
- Children may think ready position means standing tall and straight - emphasise athletic, bent-knee stance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide extra practice time, offer step-by-step verbal guidance
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of activities, create quiet zone for breaks if needed, prepare for transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and beanbags, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, pair with sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher at all times during explanations
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distance and height as needed, provide seated options for catching practice, use larger/softer balls for easier handling
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following verbal instructions, using descriptive language to explain techniques, communicating with partners
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances with steps, timing activities and calculating scores
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory of ball flight, balance and stability in ready position
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' successes, managing emotions in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position yourself at corners of activity area for maximum visibility, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct footwork in throwing, two-handed catching attempts, and safe movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with basic technique, show signs of frustration, or demonstrate unsafe behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations initially, exaggerate key movements, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Point those fingertips!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way!'
- •'Two hands ready!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor/indoor space, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from stones, holes, or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify beanbags are securely stitched with no loose filling
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face/body from throwing activities
- •Collisions between students during running/chasing games
- •Slips and falls on unsuitable surfaces
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established with adequate space between groups
- •Controlled throwing force appropriate for age and distance
- •Safe tagging rules emphasising gentle contact only
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities during active games
- •Clear boundaries and movement patterns to prevent collisions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Move around groups during partner work to provide support
- •Monitor competitive games for appropriate behaviour and safety
- •Ensure equipment is used correctly and safely at all times
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical support, ensure other students are safe and supervised