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Lesson 5 - Overarm Throwing and Game Application

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 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

Tennis Balls

6-8 balls per group (24-32 total)

Pre-positioned in containers at each group area

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties

Dish Cones

2 per group (10 total)

One at batting position, one at running target (8-10m apart)

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk circles

Coloured Bibs

4 per group (20 total)

Different colour for fielders to identify teams clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throwing

Throwing the ball from above and behind the head with a high release point

Underarm throwing

Throwing the ball from below the waist with an upward swing

Fielding

The team trying to stop runs being scored by catching or retrieving the ball

Batting

The person throwing the ball into space to score runs

Step and throw

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

Consistent overarm technique with step and rotation

Accurate throws over 5-8 metres

Quick decision-making in fielding situations

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