Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we use the second bounce to improve our accuracy when aiming at targets?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accuracy when aiming at targets using second bounce technique
  • To throw with appropriate force and trajectory for second bounce targeting
  • To apply throwing skills competently in game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when throwing for second bounce targets
  • Students will show understanding of when to use second bounce technique
  • Students will apply basic throwing skills competently in various target games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
30 (1 per student)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Hoops
15

Various distances from throwing lines

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Cones
20

Mark throwing lines and target areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk marks

Shuttles
10

Placed midway between team areas

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam targets

Chalk
4 pieces

For marking targets and shapes on ground

Alternative: Tape, spray paint markers

Measuring Tapes
1

To ensure consistent distances

Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones

Key Vocabulary

Second bounce

When a ball hits the ground once then bounces again to reach the target

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm coming over the shoulder

Trajectory

The path the ball travels through the air

Accuracy

How close to the target your throw lands

Force

How hard you throw the ball

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 taking turns in games

Current Skills

  • Second bounce targeting technique
  • Overarm throwing with control
  • Applying skills in competitive games

Next Steps

  • Advanced target games with moving targets
  • Introduction to striking skills
  • Team-based target challenges

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent side-on throwing position
2
Accurate second bounce targeting from 2-3 metres
3
Good sportsmanship in competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

  • Side-on throwing position is fundamental for accuracy and power
  • High elbow position enables effective overarm throwing technique
  • Second bounce targeting requires understanding of trajectory and force
  • Positive encouragement enhances learning and enjoyment
  • Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges
  • Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
  • Regular practice and feedback improve technique consistency

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking harder throws are always better - controlled force is key
  • Facing the target square-on instead of side-on position
  • Trying to hit targets on first bounce instead of second bounce
  • Believing only the throwing arm is important - whole body position matters
  • Thinking competitive games are only about winning - learning and fun are priorities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific roles in activities, positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, simplified movements initially, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown, peer support
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available, consistent routines, visual instruction cards, reduced sensory overload
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls and targets, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile markers for throwing lines, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, visual cues for game rules
physical disability
  • Seated throwing positions available, modified distances, larger targets, alternative throwing techniques, different ball types

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, communication in games, vocabulary development, expressing feelings about performance

Maths

Counting successful throws, measuring distances for targets, scoring systems, addition of points

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory paths, bouncing properties, cause and effect relationships

Geography

Understanding of distance and direction, spatial awareness, mapping course layouts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, positive attitudes, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups to observe technique, position centrally for demonstrations, stand where you can see all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for overarm technique development, second bounce accuracy, positive attitudes, fair play

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes unsafe, support struggling students with technique, manage competitive tensions

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate side-on position for visibility, show clear high elbow, demonstrate second bounce clearly, model positive encouragement

Verbal Cues
  • •'Side-on position!'
  • •'High elbow!'
  • •'Point with your other arm!'
  • •'Second bounce!'
  • •'Great sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area, minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, safe wall areas for target practice

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Soft balls only - check for splits or damage
  • •Hoops in good condition with smooth edges
  • •Cones stable and visible
  • •Chalk dust minimal to avoid breathing issues

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball strikes to head/face
  • •Collisions during movement activities
  • •Slips during competitive excitement
  • •Overexertion during throwing activities
Risk Mitigation
  • •Soft balls only for all activities
  • •Clear boundaries and throwing directions established
  • •Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
  • •Controlled throwing force emphasised throughout
  • •Clear start/stop signals
  • •Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
  • •Monitor throwing technique for safety
  • •Watch for competitive behaviour becoming unsafe
  • •Ensure fair play and positive interactions
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear communication to students