Lesson 4 - Applying the Underarm Throw to Beat an Opponent
Progressive Hand-Ball Skills Through Cooperative and Competitive Play
•Year 2
•Ball Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check balls are not too hard or bouncy for indoor use
Alternative: Large foam balls, bean bags for students needing easier catching
2 cones for net, 6 cones for court corners and centre marks
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or tape for court marking
For setting up 5m x 2m courts accurately
Alternative: Pre-marked areas, pace counting
Simple tally chart format for easy recording
Alternative: Mental scoring, whiteboard and markers
Key Vocabulary
A throw where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an upward motion
An area of the court where the opponent is not positioned
Balanced stance on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction
The barrier (cones) that the ball must travel over to reach the opponent's 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
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