Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions
Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•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
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
Check for damage before use, ensure soft tips
Alternative: Pool noodles, tennis ball on string, foam rockets
Lightweight versions suitable for indoor use if needed
Alternative: Frisbees, foam plates, bean bags
Use appropriate weight for Year 3 - maximum 1kg
Alternative: Bean bags, soft weighted balls, tennis balls
Place at 5m intervals up to 30m for clear distance measurement
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers, painted lines
Ensure equal numbers per team for fair competition
Alternative: Coloured bands, badges, team cards
One per throwing zone for tracking team scores
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablets, large whiteboard
For accurate distance measurement and zone setup
Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked cones, paced distances
Key Vocabulary
An athletic field event where competitors push a heavy metal ball as far as possible
A disc-shaped object thrown for distance using a spinning technique
A long spear-like implement thrown for distance with a running approach
Stretching the throwing arm fully at release to maximise distance
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Turning the body to generate power and momentum for the throw
The exact moment when the implement leaves the thrower's hand
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
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