Lesson 5 - Overarm Throwing and Game Application
Progressive Hand-Ball Skills Through Cooperative and Competitive Play
•Year 2
•Ball Skills
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How can we use overarm throwing to win games and why is it better than underarm for long distances?
Learning Objectives
- To introduce and develop overarm throwing technique
- To apply overarm throwing skills in a competitive game situation
- To understand when to use overarm versus underarm throwing
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct overarm throwing technique
- Students will successfully apply overarm throwing in game situations
- Students will explain when and why to use overarm throwing
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-positioned in containers at each group area
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties
One at batting position, one at running target (8-10m apart)
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk circles
Different colour for fielders to identify teams clearly
Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball from above and behind the head with a high release point
Throwing the ball from below the waist with an upward swing
The team trying to stop runs being scored by catching or retrieving the ball
The person throwing the ball into space to score runs
Taking a step forward with the opposite foot while throwing
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing and catching
- Understanding of aiming at targets
- Simple game rules and turn-taking
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique
- Tactical throwing in game situations
- Fielding and batting concepts
Next Steps
- Throwing for accuracy at moving targets
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
- Introduction to proper cricket/rounders rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing uses opposite foot stepping for power and accuracy
- Release point should be high above the head for maximum distance
- Use overarm for long distances, underarm for accuracy at short range
- Fielders must work together and communicate to be effective
- Batters should throw into space away from fielders
- Technique should be maintained even under game pressure
- Safety awareness essential during throwing activities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking same-side foot should step forward when throwing
- Believing overarm is always better than underarm throwing
- Assuming power is more important than accuracy in games
- Not understanding fielders need to work as a team
- Thinking batting means throwing as hard as possible
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement and feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls, extra practice time, simplified stepping pattern
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routines, visual schedules, quiet zone available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for direction, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing variation, adapted equipment, modified distances and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting scores and runs, measuring throwing distances, angles of trajectory
Science
Forces in throwing, trajectory paths, body mechanics and movement
Geography
Spatial awareness, direction and positioning, mapping field positions
PSHE
Teamwork, fair play, coping with winning and losing, personal challenge
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around groups, positioning for clear view of technique and safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stepping pattern, safe throwing directions, tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down significantly or unsafe throwing occurs
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique. Show both right and left-handed versions. Use students as positive examples when possible.
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot steps!'
- •'Paint the fence - up and over!'
- •'Throw into the space!'
- •'Work together fielders!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, preferably sports hall or playground
Surface Check
Non-slip, level surface free from trip hazards and wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for cracks or hard surfaces
- •Cones inspected for sharp edges or damage
- •Adequate ball supply to avoid over-sharing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body from wild throws
- •Collisions during running and fielding activities
- •Trips and falls over equipment or other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing zones established with no crossing paths
- •Controlled throwing practice before game introduction
- •Adequate spacing maintained between groups
- •Graduated progression from simple to complex activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all throwing activities
- •Monitor high-energy game sections closely
- •Watch for over-competitive behaviour
- •Ensure equal participation and fair play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid or seek help