Lesson 2 - Underarm Throwing Accuracy
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 become more accurate when throwing to help our team succeed?
Learning Objectives
- Consolidate underarm throwing technique with stepping and releasing low to high
- Develop accuracy by throwing to targets and partners consistently
- Understand the importance of communication and preparation in team throwing activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct underarm throwing technique in game situations
- Students will show improved accuracy when throwing to different targets
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates during throwing activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in equipment bag at side of area
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, soft play balls
Used for boundaries and target practice
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops
Placed around area for target throwing
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball with an upward swinging motion from below shoulder height
The specific place we aim to throw the ball, often our partner's hands
Throwing the ball exactly where we want it to go
Moving one foot forward as we throw to give more power and accuracy
Standing on balls of feet, hands up, watching the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing motion
- Simple catching with two hands
- Understanding of taking turns
Current Skills
- Accurate underarm throwing with step
- Throwing to moving targets
- Team communication during throwing
Next Steps
- Throwing at moving targets
- Overarm throwing introduction
- Advanced team throwing strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always step with the foot opposite to your throwing hand
- Swing your arm in a smooth low to high motion for underarm throws
- Make eye contact with your partner before throwing
- Aim for your partner's hands as the target
- Communicate when you're ready to catch
- Celebrate good throws from everyone, not just your team
- Accuracy is more important than throwing hard
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you need to throw hard to be accurate - teach that gentle, controlled throws are more accurate
- Believing you can't improve throwing accuracy - show that practice and technique make everyone better
- Assuming underarm throwing is only for beginners - explain that professionals use underarm for accuracy
- Thinking competition means being unfriendly - demonstrate that good sportsmanship makes games more enjoyable
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include regular movement breaks, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Break down technique into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for success
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet practice space, use visual schedule for lesson segments
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of targets, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for game changes, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Provide seated throwing option, adjust target distances and sizes, offer alternative equipment like larger balls
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, communication skills, descriptive vocabulary for throwing actions
Maths
Counting successful throws, scoring systems, measuring throwing distances, geometry of throwing angles
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory paths, cause and effect of accurate vs inaccurate throws
PSHE
Teamwork, fair play, managing emotions during competition, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with sight lines to all groups, move between activities to provide individual support
Observation Focus
Stepping technique with opposite foot; Low to high arm swing trajectory; Eye contact and communication between partners; Sportsmanship during competitive activities
Intervention Points
["When technique breaks down under pressure", "If safety rules not being followed", "When students need encouragement or tactical guidance"]
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate throwing technique from side-on view, exaggerate key points, involve students in demonstrations where safe
Verbal Cues
- •'Step, swing, swoosh!'
- •'Aim for the hands!'
- •'Make eye contact before you throw!'
- •'Celebrate good throws from everyone!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall, clear of obstacles and with adequate ceiling height for throwing
Surface Check
Non-slip surface checked for hazards, adequate grip for movement and stopping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls appropriate size and softness for Year 2 students
- •Cones positioned away from throwing lanes
- •Regular equipment checks for damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or head
- •Collisions between students during group activities
- •Trips over equipment or other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing direction established before each activity
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students and groups
- •Stop signal (whistle) used for immediate cessation of throwing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all throwing activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
- •Check students follow throwing safety rules
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed