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Lesson 4 - Applying the Underarm Throw to Beat an Opponent

Progressive Hand-Ball Skills Through Cooperative and Competitive Play

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Year 2

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Ball Skills

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use tactical throwing to win points in mini tennis?

Learning Objectives

Apply underarm throwing technique to beat an opponent in a game situation
Demonstrate understanding of tactical placement by throwing into open spaces
Develop competitive skills whilst maintaining fair play and respect

Key Outcomes

Students will throw balls over a net with increasing accuracy and tactical awareness
Students will understand why throwing into open spaces helps win points
Students will keep score independently and show good sportsmanship

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Check balls are not too hard or bouncy for indoor use

Alternative: Large foam balls, bean bags for students needing easier catching

Cones

8 per court (32 total for 4 courts)

2 cones for net, 6 cones for court corners and centre marks

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or tape for court marking

Measuring Tapes

For setting up 5m x 2m courts accurately

Alternative: Pre-marked areas, pace counting

Scorecards

1 per pair (15)

Simple tally chart format for easy recording

Alternative: Mental scoring, whiteboard and markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throw where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an upward motion

Open space

An area of the court where the opponent is not positioned

Ready position

Balanced stance on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Net

The barrier (cones) that the ball must travel over to reach the opponent's court

Court

The playing area marked by boundaries where the game takes place

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique with step and follow through
Catching skills with two hands
Understanding of simple game rules

Current Skills

Tactical application of underarm throwing
Spatial awareness and target selection
Competitive game play with scoring

Next Steps

Introduction to racket skills
More complex court positioning
Advanced tactical play including deception

Milestone Indicators

Consistently throws into spaces rather than directly to opponent

Maintains ready position between throws

Shows understanding of why accuracy beats power

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking develops gradually - start with stationary opponents before adding movement
Celebrate accurate placement over powerful throwing
Use real tennis connections to add authenticity and motivation
Fair play and honesty in scoring are as important as tactical skills
Observe and read opponent position before every throw
Space awareness is the foundation of all racket and net sports
Competition should enhance learning, not replace it

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that throwing harder will always beat throwing smarter
Believing that throwing directly to opponent is being kind rather than tactical
Assuming that winning is more important than learning and fair play
Confusing lucky placement with tactical awareness
Not understanding that these skills transfer to real racket sports

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular equipment changes, clear role definitions, movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, simplified court layouts, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, designated quiet area for breaks, consistent court positions and routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written rule cards, ensure visual contact before instructions

physical disability

Seated throwing version with modified court size, use of ramps for ball delivery, partner assistance as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring and counting points, measuring court dimensions, spatial awareness and geometry concepts

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and angles, understanding of bounce physics

Geography

Direction and positioning, spatial relationships, mapping court layouts

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, managing emotions in competition, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with view of all courts, rotate to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, technique consistency, and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in if disputes arise about scoring or if students revert to non-tactical throwing

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations to show tactical thinking process, not just technique

Verbal Cues

•'Where is the space?'
•'Read your opponent!'
•'Throw away from them!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 15m x 10m for 4 courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for potential falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for appropriate pressure - not too hard
•Cones stable and positioned securely
•No damaged or cracked balls

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students on adjacent courts
•Slipping when moving quickly to catch balls
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
•Emphasis on controlled throwing rather than power
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity levels
•Watch for unsporting behaviour or disputes

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear route to medical support