Lesson 3 - Underarm Throwing & Catching
Ball Control Basics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I improve my accuracy when throwing and catching to become a better team player?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accuracy in underarm throwing techniques
- To improve consistency and confidence in catching moving objects
- To apply throwing and catching skills in simple game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved underarm throwing accuracy with consistent technique
- Students will move their feet to catch balls successfully in game situations
- Students will understand the importance of teamwork in striking and fielding games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Small soft balls, scarves for catching practice
In equipment basket, collected when students ready for progression
Alternative: Soft-touch balls, foam balls for safety
Various colours for different activities, stored on cone trolley
Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk lines
For recording group scores and demonstrations
Alternative: Clipboard with paper
Key Vocabulary
Throwing a ball with hand starting below shoulder height, swinging upward
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready
Moving opposite foot forward while pointing fingers at target
Keeping eyes focused on the ball from release to catch
Using both hands to secure the ball safely
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and simple catching
- Understanding of personal space and safe movement
- Following simple game rules and instructions
Current Skills
- Accurate underarm throwing technique
- Moving feet to catch balls effectively
- Applying skills in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing techniques
- Catching balls from different angles
- More complex striking and fielding tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Underarm throwing requires stepping forward with opposite foot for balance and power
- Accurate throwing comes from pointing fingers at target during release
- Successful catching needs watching the ball, moving feet to position, and using two hands
- Ready position with bent knees and hands prepared is crucial for quick reactions
- Teamwork and communication are as important as individual skills in striking and fielding games
- Progressive challenges help build confidence from simple catches to game situations
- Safety awareness includes controlled movement and consideration for others in shared space
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think they should throw overarm for power - emphasise underarm accuracy for this level
- Many try to catch with one hand like they see on TV - stress two-handed catching for safety and success
- Some think faster movement always wins - teach controlled, accurate movement over speed
- Students may believe the ball should be thrown as high as possible - demonstrate optimal throwing height
- Common mistake of not moving feet to catch - emphasise active movement rather than reaching
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for focus and effort
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls for easier handling, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, celebrate small improvements
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and beanbags, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for safety
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for stop/start, demonstrate all instructions visually, written instructions on whiteboard
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching variations, use lighter equipment, adjust distances as needed, focus on achievable goals
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using descriptive language to explain techniques, communicating tactics to team members
Maths
Counting consecutive catches, measuring distances between cones, timing activities and calculating scores
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory of balls, balance and coordination in movement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, encouraging others and showing sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct underarm technique, safe catching practices, and positive team interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if technique becomes unsafe, groups struggle with rules, or conflicts arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for clarity, emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and point!'
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Two hands to catch!'
- •'Move your feet to the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, larger for multiple group activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify beanbags are securely stitched
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups maintained
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor throwing areas for safe distances
- •Watch for fatigue during longer activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed