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Lesson 1 - Underarm Throwing and 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 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

Small Balls

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around the activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, soft play balls

Cones

6 per pair (180 total)

Used for gates and battleship targets

Alternative: Plastic bottles, markers, bean bags

Bibs

15 (half the class)

To distinguish pairs during activities

Alternative: Different coloured equipment

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an upward motion

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 add power and direction

Release point

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

Steps forward with opposite foot when throwing

Releases ball from low to high trajectory

Makes consistent contact with targets

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