Lesson 7 - Pull Throw for Distance
Speed, Power & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use my whole body to throw as far as possible?
Learning Objectives
- To develop throwing for distance using the pull throw technique
- To understand how body weight transfer improves throwing power
- To apply accuracy skills when throwing for distance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the pull throw technique with correct body positioning
- Students will show understanding of weight transfer from back to front leg
- Students will throw with improved distance and accuracy
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to pairs at start of skill development
Alternative: Small balls, tennis balls, or foam balls
Used for marking throwing lines, goals, and distance markers
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or rope
For setting up accurate distances and goals
Alternative: Metre rulers or pacing
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm is pulled back past the head before throwing forward
Moving your body weight from your back leg to your front leg during the throw
Continuing the throwing movement after releasing the beanbag
Standing with your side facing the direction you want to throw
The exact moment when you let go of the beanbag during the throw
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing with two hands
- Understanding of aiming at targets
- Basic balance and coordination skills
Current Skills
- Pull throw technique with single hand
- Weight transfer from back to front leg
- Combining distance and accuracy in throwing
Next Steps
- Javelin-style throwing with implements
- Throwing in competitive athletics events
- Advanced throwing techniques for different implements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain sideways stance throughout the throwing action
- Start with weight on back leg, transfer smoothly to front leg
- Pull arm back past head for maximum power generation
- Release beanbag as hand moves past head level
- Follow through towards target for accuracy and distance
- Keep feet shoulder-width apart for stability and balance
- Encourage effort and improvement over distance achieved
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking strength is more important than technique - emphasise proper movement patterns
- Believing they should face forward when throwing - reinforce sideways stance benefits
- Rushing the throwing action - demonstrate the importance of smooth, controlled movement
- Releasing too early or late - practice release timing at head level
- Forgetting to transfer weight - use stepping actions to feel the movement
- Aiming too high thinking it goes further - explain optimal trajectory angles
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive reinforcement and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger beanbags, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, reduced complexity
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured beanbags, audio cues for throwing direction, partner guidance for aiming
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written technique reminders
physical disability
- Adapted sitting or supported throwing position, lighter implements, shorter distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, comparing measurements, recording data, understanding angles and trajectories
Science
Forces and motion, understanding how body mechanics create power, gravity's effect on projectiles
Geography
Direction and compass points, understanding of space and position, mapping throwing areas
PSHE
Perseverance and resilience, supporting others, managing competition and disappointment positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between throwing areas to observe technique, stand where all students visible during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for sideways stance, weight transfer, release point, follow-through, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when technique significantly incorrect, safety issues arise, or students need encouragement
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations, exaggerate key points, show from multiple angles, use student demonstrators
Verbal Cues
- •'Side on, like a statue!'
- •'Weight on your back leg first!'
- •'Release past your head!'
- •'Follow through to your target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area with clear throwing zones, no overhead obstacles
Surface Check
Level surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft beanbags checked for intact seams
- •Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
- •Equipment distributed safely to avoid trips
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Beanbags hitting other students
- •Students running into throwing areas
- •Collisions during collection
- •Overexertion or muscle strain
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions away from groups
- •All throws on teacher command only
- •Designated collection times with all throwing stopped
- •Proper warm-up before throwing activities
- •Teaching correct technique to prevent strain
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing areas
- •Monitor throwing technique for safety
- •Ensure collection procedures followed
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely occupied