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Lesson 2 - Underarm Throwing Accuracy

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 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

Small Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Stored in equipment bag at side of area

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, soft play balls

Cones

Used for boundaries and target practice

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops

Hoops

Placed around area for target throwing

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with an upward swinging motion from below shoulder height

Target

The specific place we aim to throw the ball, often our partner's hands

Accuracy

Throwing the ball exactly where we want it to go

Step and throw

Moving one foot forward as we throw to give more power and accuracy

Ready position

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

Consistent step forward with opposite foot

Ball released from low to high trajectory

80% accuracy to stationary targets from 3 metres

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