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Big Question

How can we control where our ball lands after the second bounce?

Learning Objectives

  • To throw with accuracy aiming for the ball to hit a target on the second bounce
  • To develop throwing technique with flatter trajectory and increased force
  • To apply basic target skills competently in game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when throwing for second bounce targets
  • Students will show understanding of when second bounce throws are useful
  • Students will apply throwing skills competently in competitive activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
1 per 2 students (15)

Keep extras around perimeter for quick replacement

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

Hoops
1 per pair (15)

Various sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, mats

Cones
20-30

4 different colours for assessment grouping

Alternative: Plastic bottles, markers

Shuttles
6-8

Place midway between throwing lines

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam cones

Chalk
4 pieces

For marking targets and shapes on walls/ground

Alternative: Whiteboard markers for indoor use

Measuring Tapes
1

For setting up accurate distances

Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones

Key Vocabulary

Second bounce

When a ball hits the ground twice before reaching its target

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm going over shoulder and elbow high

Trajectory

The path the ball travels through the air

Force

How hard you throw the ball

Accuracy

How close your throw is to hitting the target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic overarm throwing technique
  • Catching stationary and moving balls
  • Understanding of target accuracy

Current Skills

  • Second bounce accuracy throwing
  • Controlling force and trajectory
  • Game application of target skills

Next Steps

  • Advanced target games with moving targets
  • Team-based strategic target games
  • Introduction to racket and ball games

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent side-on throwing position
2
3/5 successful second bounce hits from 3 metres
3
Clear understanding of when to use second bounce throws

Key Teaching Points

  • Side-on throwing position with non-throwing arm pointing at target for accuracy
  • High bent elbow position during overarm throw for power and control
  • Second bounce requires shorter throw than direct target hitting
  • Partner safety positioning behind targets during all activities
  • Progressive difficulty through distance and target size changes
  • Encouragement and positive reinforcement for effort and improvement
  • Both-handed practice for bilateral skill development

Common Misconceptions

  • Throwing directly at target rather than aiming for second bounce - correct by emphasising shorter throw
  • Using front-on position instead of side-on - demonstrate archer position for power
  • Low elbow position reducing power - show high elbow for effective overarm throw
  • Getting discouraged by misses - emphasise that practice improves accuracy
  • Competing negatively against partners - promote supportive competition and celebration

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time, simplified technique focus
autism spectrum
  • Clear routines, visual activity schedules, quiet zones available, predictable partner pairings
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured equipment, audio target signals, buddy system for guidance, tactile target markers
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, hand signal communications, written instruction cards, visual number calling
physical disability
  • Seated throwing options, modified distances, larger targets, alternative throwing implements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful throws, measuring distances for target placement, scoring systems in games

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and bounce physics, energy transfer in ball impacts

Geography

Spatial awareness, directional throwing, mapping course layouts, distance estimation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, celebrating others' success, resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing visibility of all activities, move between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Throwing technique development, second bounce accuracy, partner cooperation, competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when technique unsafe, throws too hard, poor sportsmanship, or equipment misuse

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points, show both successful and learning attempts

Verbal Cues
  • •'Side-on position like an archer!'
  • •'High elbow, follow through!'
  • •'Second bounce - throw it shorter!'
  • •'Great teamwork and encouragement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area minimum 20m x 30m with wall space for target practice

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from obstacles, wall area clear of protruding fixtures

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Soft balls only for warm-up throwing activity
  • •Tennis balls checked for wear and appropriate bounce
  • •Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
  • •Cones stable and visible colours

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball strikes to head during activities
  • •Collisions during running warm-up
  • •Trips over equipment during transitions
  • •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear throwing directions established and maintained
  • •Safe distances marked and enforced consistently
  • •Gentle throw emphasis in warm-up activity
  • •Partner positioning behind targets for safety
  • •Regular equipment checks and safe storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to oversee all throwing activities simultaneously
  • •Monitor warm-up for appropriate throw force
  • •Check partner positioning in target activities
  • •Ensure fair play and safety in competitive games
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required