Lesson 1 - Underarm Throwing and 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 use our bodies to throw accurately and help our partners succeed?
Learning Objectives
- Develop students' execution of underarm throwing technique
- Understand the importance of accuracy when throwing to targets
- Apply underarm throwing skills in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct underarm throwing technique
- Students will show understanding of aiming and accuracy
- Students will work cooperatively with partners in target games
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-positioned around the activity area perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, soft play balls
Used for gates and battleship targets
Alternative: Plastic bottles, markers, bean bags
To distinguish pairs during activities
Alternative: Different coloured equipment
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an upward motion
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 add power and direction
The exact moment and position when we let go of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and dribbling skills from Year 1
- Simple catching with two hands
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing with step and release
- Accurate aiming at targets
- Partner cooperation and communication
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing techniques
- Throwing while moving
- Advanced target games and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Step forward with opposite foot when throwing underarm
- Release ball from low to high in smooth pendulum motion
- Always check partner is ready before throwing
- Aim for partner's hands as the target
- Accuracy is more important than throwing power
- Good sportsmanship makes everyone a winner
- Practice makes permanent - focus on good technique
Common Misconceptions
- Students think throwing harder equals more accurate - emphasise control over power
- Using same foot as throwing hand - demonstrate opposite foot/hand coordination
- Believing competition is only about winning - focus on skill improvement and fair play
- Thinking accuracy is natural talent - show it improves with practice and good technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Larger balls and targets, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, peer support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, visual cues for game rules
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, larger targets, adapted distances, alternative throwing implements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful throws, measuring throwing distances, recognising triangle shapes for battleships
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight
Geography
Direction and aiming, spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Cooperation and partnership, dealing with competition, showing respect and fairness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between pairs during activities, position at corner for overview during games
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, partner cooperation, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe throws, poor sportsmanship, or significant technique errors
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with exaggerated, slow movements so all students can see key points clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and throw!'
- •'Aim for their hands!'
- •'Smooth and controlled!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, suitable for multiple pairs throwing simultaneously
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from trip hazards, adequate grip for movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Equipment stored safely when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts from inaccurate throws
- •Collisions between students
- •Trips over equipment or other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
- •No crossing throw paths between pairs
- •Emphasis on controlled, accurate throwing rather than power
- •Clear start/stop signals for all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple pairs simultaneously
- •Monitor technique to prevent dangerous throws
- •Ensure equipment collection doesn't create hazards
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal for immediate activity cessation, first aid trained adult present, clear access to emergency contact