Lesson 5 - Throwing to Bases and Wickets
Striking Basics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together as a team to get runners out using accurate throwing?
Learning Objectives
- To throw accurately to different bases using overarm and underarm techniques
- To receive and quickly throw a ball under pressure in game situations
- To work as a team to field effectively and prevent opponents from scoring
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate throwing to bases using appropriate technique
- Students will show quick reactions when fielding and throwing under pressure
- Students will work cooperatively to execute team fielding strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute one ball per group at start of skill development
Alternative: Bean bags, soft cricket balls, foam balls
Set up in diamond formation 4-6 metres apart depending on space
Alternative: Hoops, markers, chalk circles
Place behind backstop position as wicket target
Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, marker cones
Distribute to identify teams during activities
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured cones for identification
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder, used for longer distances
A throwing technique where the arm swings underneath, used for shorter, more accurate throws
A position on the field that players must reach or defend in the game
The target that fielders aim to hit to get runners out
The player positioned behind the wicket to catch throws and prevent the ball going past
The action of catching, collecting and throwing the ball to prevent runs being scored
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching with two hands
- Simple throwing with some accuracy
- Understanding of team games and cooperation
Current Skills
- Accurate throwing to bases using overarm and underarm techniques
- Quick receiving and throwing under game pressure
- Strategic positioning and teamwork in fielding situations
Next Steps
- Throwing while moving and under greater pressure
- More complex fielding strategies and communication
- Introduction to batting and striking skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throw technique: sideways stance, high arm action, opposite foot forward, follow through
- Underarm throw technique: face target, pendulum swing, release at waist height, follow through upwards
- Choose throwing technique based on distance: underarm for accuracy at short distance, overarm for power at longer distance
- Fielding ready position: hands together, watching the ball, facing the incoming throw
- Quick decision-making under pressure: catch, turn, assess target, throw using appropriate technique
- Team communication: call for the ball, signal where to throw, encourage teammates
- Safety awareness: clear throwing lanes, controlled movements, awareness of other students
Common Misconceptions
- All throws should be overarm - correct by explaining distance and accuracy relationship
- Harder throws are always better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
- Fielders should face same direction - teach importance of facing incoming throw
- Catching with one hand is easier - reinforce two-hand catching for security
- Running while throwing improves accuracy - teach stationary throwing for better control
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier catching, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual sequence cards, quiet reflection areas available
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball location, tactile markers for base positions
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written sequence cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing positions, modified equipment, adapted throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting laps and rotations, measuring distances between bases, calculating team scores
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and accuracy, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement around bases
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, supporting others' learning
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of area to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, safe movement patterns, positive teamwork and communication
Intervention Points
Step in when throwing technique is consistently poor, if safety issues arise, or when students need encouragement
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to emphasise key points, demonstrate common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve students in demonstrations where safe
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance for overarm!'
- •'Pendulum swing for underarm!'
- •'Hands ready to receive!'
- •'Quick turn and throw!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m clear area, preferably 30m x 25m for multiple groups
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, obstacles or hazardous materials
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are not damaged or split
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify target cones are stable and won't cause injury if hit
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during running
- •Trips or falls over equipment
- •Overexertion during activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established with no students in throwing lanes
- •Adequate spacing between groups to prevent interference
- •Controlled progression from simple to complex activities
- •Regular checks on student fatigue and hydration needs
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
- •Monitor throwing areas for stray balls or students
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or distress in students
- •Be alert during transitions when students are moving equipment
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students remain safe and calm