Lesson 5 - Throwing Accuracy Skills
Accuracy & Sending Skills
•Year 1
•Target Games
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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
Store in baskets around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls
Different colours if possible for clear identification
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, hula hoops
Bright colours preferred for visibility
Alternative: Small soft toys, juggling bags, fabric squares
Use for boundaries and throwing lines
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
For drawing shapes and throwing lines on playground
Alternative: Rope, tape, cones for shapes
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder from above
Throwing technique where the arm swings up from below
Standing with shoulder pointing toward target, not facing straight on
Hitting the target or getting close to where you're aiming
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
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.