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Lesson 3 - Underarm Throwing & Catching

Ball Control Basics

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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Big Question

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

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around activity area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Small soft balls, scarves for catching practice

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

In equipment basket, collected when students ready for progression

Alternative: Soft-touch balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

30 (multiple colours if available)

Various colours for different activities, stored on cone trolley

Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk lines

Sun Markers

For recording group scores and demonstrations

Alternative: Clipboard with paper

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing a ball with hand starting below shoulder height, swinging upward

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready

Step and point

Moving opposite foot forward while pointing fingers at target

Watch the ball

Keeping eyes focused on the ball from release to catch

Two-handed 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

Consistently catches 6+ consecutive throws

Throws land within 1 metre of intended target

Moves confidently to intercept moving balls

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