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Lesson 3 - Applying Underarm Throw to Win Games

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 accurate underarm throwing help my team win the game?

Learning Objectives

To apply underarm throwing technique in competitive game situations
To understand the importance of accuracy and communication in team games
To develop tactical awareness of attack vs defence principles

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled underarm throwing to teammates
Students will communicate effectively to create successful passing sequences
Students will apply throwing skills strategically to prevent opponents from scoring

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around activity areas before lesson starts

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, soft playground balls

Coloured Cones

25 (5 per group)

Set up pentagon shapes for each group, 3 metres apart

Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk marks

Stopwatch

For timing 30-second challenges and game rounds

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with an underhand motion, releasing below shoulder height

Accuracy

Throwing the ball precisely to where your teammate can catch it easily

Target

The hands or area where teammates want to receive the ball

Communication

Talking to teammates to let them know when you're ready or where to throw

Consequence

What happens as a result of an action, like dropping the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple catching with two hands
Understanding of taking turns

Current Skills

Accurate underarm throwing to moving targets
Strategic thinking in competitive situations
Team communication and cooperation

Next Steps

Overarm throwing techniques
Advanced game tactics and positioning
Leading and organising team strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in throwing to teammates

Quick decision-making under time pressure

Effective communication during fast-paced games

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing technique: step forward, pendulum action, release at hip height
Accuracy beats power - controlled throws win games and prevent injuries
Communication is essential - 'Ready? Yes!' before every throw
Teamwork makes everyone better - support teammates when they struggle
Fair play and honesty in scoring builds character and trust
Practice makes progress - every drop teaches us something valuable
Strategic thinking - understanding how accurate throws help teams win games

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking harder throws are better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
Believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative success
Assuming games are just about luck - help them see the strategic elements
Thinking mistakes are failures - reframe as learning opportunities
Believing only 'sporty' students can succeed - demonstrate that technique and teamwork matter more than natural ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks, simplified instructions with visual reminders, positive behaviour reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced complexity in game rules, extra practice time, peer support for positioning and technique

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules of activities, consistent routines for equipment collection, quiet reflection space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of formations, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching version, use larger/lighter balls, adjust distances and pentagon size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, timing activities with seconds and minutes, exploring pentagon shapes and understanding spatial relationships

Science

Understanding forces in throwing actions, observing trajectories of balls, discussing how practice improves coordination and muscle memory

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and pathways, mapping movement around game areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, showing respect for others and celebrating achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between different groups during activities, positioning at corners of hall for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for throwing technique, team communication, understanding of game tactics, and positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when games become unbalanced, technique needs correction, or social conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for throwing technique, involve students in demonstrations, model positive communication and sportsmanship throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Smooth like a pendulum!' for throwing technique
•'Aim for the hands!' for accuracy focus
•'Ready? Yes!' for communication
•'Teamwork makes the dream work!' for cooperation

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size 15m x 20m to accommodate multiple pentagon games safely

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface, free from water or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Foam balls checked for damage and appropriate softness
•Cones stable and visible with no sharp edges or cracks
•Bean bags as backup equipment in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during movement activities
•Overexertion in competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between different game areas
•Emphasis on controlled underarm throws rather than power
•Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders during extended games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
•Circulate actively during Racing Rounders to monitor fair play
•Watch for signs of frustration or overcompetitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately, assess injured student, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if medical attention required