Lesson 4 - Overarm Throwing Control
Ball Control Basics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
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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
Distributed around activity area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags
Different colours for different purposes - red for catchers, blue for targets
Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk marks
Clear centre line with equal spaces on both sides
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
Throwing with your arm going up and over your shoulder
If throwing with right hand, step forward with left foot (and vice versa)
How fast or slow your heart is beating
Throwing the ball exactly where you want it to go
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
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