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Lesson 5 - Throwing Accuracy Skills

Accuracy & Sending Skills

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Year 1

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can I choose the best throwing technique to hit my target accurately?

Learning Objectives

To choose correctly when to throw underarm versus overarm
To throw a ball overarm with accuracy at a target
To understand proper throwing stance and technique

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate appropriate choice between underarm and overarm throws
Students will show improved accuracy when throwing overarm at targets
Students will explain what makes a successful throw

Equipment & Resources Required

Game Balls

20-25 (1 per student plus extras)

Store in baskets around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

Hoops

12-15 various sizes

Different colours if possible for clear identification

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops

Balls

15-20

Bright colours preferred for visibility

Alternative: Small soft toys, juggling bags, fabric squares

Cones

20-25

Use for boundaries and throwing lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Chalk

4-5 pieces different colours

For drawing shapes and throwing lines on playground

Alternative: Rope, tape, cones for shapes

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder from above

Underarm

Throwing technique where the arm swings up from below

Side-on stance

Standing with shoulder pointing toward target, not facing straight on

Accuracy

Hitting the target or getting close to where you're aiming

Target

The object or area you're trying to hit with your throw

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple target awareness
Following safety rules around equipment

Current Skills

Choosing appropriate throwing technique
Overarm throwing with accuracy
Understanding throwing stance and body position

Next Steps

Throwing with power and distance
Advanced target games tactics
Combining throwing with catching skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent side-on stance for overarm throws

Appropriate technique choice for different distances

Improved accuracy over lesson duration

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance is fundamental for accurate overarm throwing - shoulder points at target
High elbow position creates power and control in overarm throws
Distance and target size determine whether to use underarm or overarm technique
Follow-through toward target improves accuracy significantly
Practice both dominant and non-dominant hands for balanced development
Self-assessment and reflection consolidate learning and build metacognitive skills
Positive attitude toward mistakes encourages continued learning and improvement

Common Misconceptions

Students think facing the target square-on is better than side-on stance - demonstrate how side-on provides more power and accuracy
Believing that throwing harder always means more accurate - show how controlled technique beats force
Thinking overarm is always better than underarm - demonstrate appropriate technique selection for different distances
Assuming good throwing means never missing - reinforce that learning includes making and correcting mistakes
Believing only sporty children can be accurate throwers - show how technique beats natural ability with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes maintain engagement, clear physical boundaries marked, immediate feedback and celebration, movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment for easier handling, simplified throwing techniques initially, extra practice time for skill development, step-by-step technique breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routines for each activity section, visual schedule of lesson structure available, quiet zones marked for breaks if needed, consistent equipment placement

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and hoops, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use sound cues for timing, assign sighted partners for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for all instructions

physical disability

Seated throwing variations available, adapted equipment sizes, reduced throwing distances, alternative scoring methods that value participation

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting throws and successful hits, measuring distances for throwing lines, calculating team scores and comparing results

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, exploring trajectory and angles, investigating how technique affects ball travel

Geography

Directional language (forward, backward, left, right), spatial awareness and positioning, understanding distance and measurement

PSHE

Self-assessment and honest evaluation of abilities, supporting and encouraging others, showing resilience when techniques don't work first time

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around activities to observe technique and provide individual feedback. Stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly.

Observation Focus

Watch for side-on stance, high elbow position, appropriate technique selection, and accuracy improvement throughout lesson.

Intervention Points

Stop activity if throwing becomes dangerous, provide technique reminders during practice, adjust challenge level based on student success rates.

Demonstration Notes

Use students who demonstrate good technique as models. Exaggerate key points like side-on stance and high elbow. Show both successful and less successful attempts to highlight differences.

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on like a fence post!'
•'High elbow like showing your muscles!'
•'Point and throw toward your target!'
•'Follow through like waving goodbye!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear space for throwing activities, additional 8m x 8m for circle games

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for any wet areas or obstacles before starting

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Sponge balls checked for firmness - not too hard or too soft
•Bean bags inspected for secure seams and appropriate weight
•Hoops checked for smooth edges and stable placement
•Cones positioned securely and visible to all students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Balls thrown above waist height causing facial injury
•Students crossing into throwing zones during games
•Collisions between students moving in same space
•Slips from equipment left on ground

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-waist throwing rule established and enforced
•Clear boundary lines marked and explained before each activity
•Adequate spacing between throwing pairs and groups
•Immediate equipment collection procedures after each section

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing activities
•Monitor technique to prevent dangerous throwing actions
•Watch for students entering restricted zones during games
•Ensure stop signals are immediately obeyed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with raised hand signal. Assess any injuries. Clear equipment from area. Apply appropriate first aid if required.