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Lesson 3 - Underarm Throwing Skills

Striking Fundamentals

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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1h 13min

Big Question

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

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling balls

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Half the number of students for pair work activities

Alternative: Foam balls, rubber playground balls

Cones

Used for creating boundaries and marking positions

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags as markers

PE Equipment

1 (optional)

Available for extension activities and support modifications

Alternative: Hoops for targets, different sized balls for differentiation

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward motion

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready to catch

Two-handed catch

Using both hands together to secure the ball, forming a 'W' shape with fingers

Follow through

The continuation of movement after releasing the ball, pointing towards target

Tracking

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

Consistent underarm throwing action with opposite foot forward

Catching success rate of 7/10 attempts with medium balls

Demonstrating ready position automatically

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