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Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence

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Year 3

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use proper throwing techniques to compete fairly and achieve our personal best?

Learning Objectives

To apply correct throwing techniques for shot put, discus and javelin in a competitive setting
To understand the importance of body position, rotation and weight transfer in throwing events
To compete fairly whilst striving for personal improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper throwing techniques across three athletics disciplines
Students will understand how body mechanics affect throwing distance and accuracy
Students will compete respectfully whilst supporting teammates and opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Javelins

Check for damage before use, ensure soft tips

Alternative: Pool noodles, tennis ball on string, foam rockets

Foam Discus

Lightweight versions suitable for indoor use if needed

Alternative: Frisbees, foam plates, bean bags

Shot Put

Use appropriate weight for Year 3 - maximum 1kg

Alternative: Bean bags, soft weighted balls, tennis balls

Sun Markers

Place at 5m intervals up to 30m for clear distance measurement

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers, painted lines

Team bibs

30 (4 colours)

Ensure equal numbers per team for fair competition

Alternative: Coloured bands, badges, team cards

Scorecards

One per throwing zone for tracking team scores

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablets, large whiteboard

Measuring Tapes

For accurate distance measurement and zone setup

Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked cones, paced distances

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

An athletic field event where competitors push a heavy metal ball as far as possible

Discus

A disc-shaped object thrown for distance using a spinning technique

Javelin

A long spear-like implement thrown for distance with a running approach

Extension

Stretching the throwing arm fully at release to maximise distance

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw

Rotation

Turning the body to generate power and momentum for the throw

Release Point

The exact moment when the implement leaves the thrower's hand

Personal Best

An individual's best performance or distance achieved

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of personal space and safety around equipment
Experience with taking turns and simple scoring systems

Current Skills

Shot put pushing technique with proper stance
Discus throwing with rotation and release timing
Javelin throwing with run-up and extension
Competitive mindset with personal goal setting

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques with increased distance
Understanding of aerodynamics and physics in athletics
Leadership roles in organising athletic competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of correct stance across all three disciplines

Visible improvement in throwing distance through technique

Ability to self-assess and adjust technique during competition

Key Teaching Points

Shot put is pushed from shoulder level, never thrown overhead
Discus requires body rotation and release across the body for maximum distance
Javelin needs controlled run-up, front foot plant and full arm extension
Weight transfer from back to front foot is crucial for all throwing events
Safety rules must be followed at all times for injury prevention
Personal improvement and effort are more important than winning
Good sportsmanship includes supporting teammates and celebrating others' achievements

Common Misconceptions

Shot put should be thrown like a ball - correct by emphasising pushing motion from shoulder
Discus throwing is like javelin - demonstrate the different release points and body positions
Running faster always means throwing further - show how control and technique matter more
Only the strongest students can do well - emphasise technique over strength
Competition means being mean to opponents - reinforce sportsmanship and respect

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter rotation periods, clear role definitions, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter implements, extra technique practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones for overwhelm, predictable rotation pattern

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured implements, clear verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for rotation, written scorecard systems

physical disability

Adapted implements (lighter weights), seated throwing variations, modified distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances, adding team scores, measuring and comparing throwing distances

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, understanding of gravity and trajectory, body mechanics and levers

Geography

Understanding of distance measurement, spatial awareness, mapping throwing zones

PSHE

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

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing observation of all four zones, rotate frequently to provide coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique application, safety compliance, and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules ignored, technique becoming dangerous, or sportsmanship issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated slow-motion technique demonstrations, emphasise key body positions, model excellent sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Push don't throw!' for shot put technique
•'Rotate and release!' for discus timing
•'Extend and follow through!' for javelin distance
•'Safety first, personal best second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space (minimum 40m x 30m) or sports hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Level ground free from holes, wet patches or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all throwing implements for damage before use
•Ensure foam/soft versions appropriate for Year 3 students
•Verify weight of shot puts suitable for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Implement strikes to head or body from poor throwing technique
•Collisions between students in throwing areas
•Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up or poor technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety lines established and enforced at all times
•Only designated throwers handle implements
•Whistle stop signal understood and practiced
•Adequate spacing between throwing zones
•Progressive skill building from shadow practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines of all four throwing zones
•Rotate between zones to provide direct coaching
•Monitor for fatigue or frustration affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed