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Lesson 4 - Overarm Throwing Control

Ball Control Basics

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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Big Question

How can we use our whole body to throw accurately and powerfully over longer distances?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm throwing technique with control and accuracy
To understand how our bodies respond to physical exercise
To apply overarm throwing skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique
Students will show greater accuracy when throwing to targets
Students will understand how exercise affects their heart rate and breathing

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags

Cones

30 (various colours if possible)

Different colours for different purposes - red for catchers, blue for targets

Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk marks

Sun Markers

2 halves of sports hall/playground

Clear centre line with equal spaces on both sides

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing with your arm going up and over your shoulder

Opposite foot

If throwing with right hand, step forward with left foot (and vice versa)

Heart rate

How fast or slow your heart is beating

Accuracy

Throwing the ball exactly where you want it to go

Fielding

Collecting and returning the ball quickly in games

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple catching with two hands
Understanding of personal space and boundaries

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique with step and point
Body awareness during exercise
Throwing for distance and accuracy

Next Steps

Overarm throwing with moving targets
Fielding positions and tactics
Competitive striking and fielding games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent step forward with opposite foot

Throwing elbow at shoulder height

Accurate throws over 5+ metres

Key Teaching Points

Step forward with the foot opposite to your throwing arm
Bring your throwing elbow up to shoulder height before releasing
Point your hand directly at your target to improve accuracy
Follow through smoothly in the direction of your throw
Keep your eye on the target throughout the throwing action
Use your whole body, not just your arm, for power and control
Practice makes perfect - focus on technique before distance

Common Misconceptions

Students think throwing harder automatically means throwing further - emphasise technique over force
Confusion about which foot is 'opposite' - provide clear demonstrations with both hands
Belief that underarm is easier so should be used in games - explain when each technique is most effective
Assumption that accuracy isn't important in distance throwing - connect accuracy to game success
Thinking that warming up is just running around - explain the science behind body preparation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger beanbags, reduce complexity of movements, provide additional practice time and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured beanbags, provide verbal cues for direction, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted throwing from seated position, use larger/lighter equipment, modify distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for body changes, explaining tactics and strategies

Maths

Counting jumps in fielding game, measuring throwing distances, calculating team scores in Clear the Court

Science

Understanding how exercise affects heart rate and breathing, forces in throwing actions, body systems response to activity

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, encouraging others, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for clear view of all activities, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Monitor overarm technique (step, elbow position, pointing), safety awareness, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, when safety is compromised, or when students need strategic guidance

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate in slow motion first, then at normal speed. Use exaggerated movements to highlight key points. Show both successful and common error examples for clarity.

Verbal Cues

•'Step with opposite foot!'
•'Elbow up high!'
•'Point where you want it to go!'
•'Look for empty spaces!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, preferably sports hall or large playground

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags are intact with no loose filling
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify throwing equipment is appropriate weight for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during throwing activities
•Beanbags hitting students who aren't looking
•Trips and falls during active games
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
•'Ready' calls before all throwing activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular breaks to prevent fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all throwing activities simultaneously
•Monitor technique to prevent injury from poor form
•Watch for signs of overexertion in competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required