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Lesson 6 - Throwing for Distance and Accuracy

Speed, Power & Fair Play

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to throw powerfully and accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing for distance using correct technique
To improve accuracy in throwing through consistent practice
To understand weight transfer and power generation in throwing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate step-forward technique when throwing
Students will transfer weight from back to front foot during throws
Students will show improved distance and accuracy in throwing activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

Distributed around activity areas, ensure proper inflation

Alternative: Footballs, medicine balls (lighter weight), large playground balls

Cones

Different colours for distance markers (3m, 5m, 7m zones)

Alternative: Markers, skittles, bean bags as markers

Hoops

Various sizes available, placed at different distances for progression

Alternative: Targets drawn on wall, bucket targets, marked circles on ground

Key Vocabulary

Chest push

A two-handed throwing technique where the ball is pushed from the chest using both hands

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot to generate power

Follow through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball to ensure full power

Power generation

Using the whole body to create force for throwing distance

Accuracy

The ability to throw the ball to hit a specific target consistently

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and control
Understanding of personal space
Simple underarm throwing motions

Current Skills

Two-handed chest push technique
Weight transfer for power generation
Throwing for accuracy at targets

Next Steps

One-handed throwing techniques
Throwing with different sized implements
Shot put preparation activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent step-forward action

Visible weight transfer during throws

Improved distance measurements

Key Teaching Points

Weight transfer from back foot to front foot is crucial for power generation
Step forward simultaneously with the push, not before or after
Follow-through with arms and fingers pointing towards target improves accuracy
Chest position provides stability and control for consistent technique
Competition should emphasise respect, encouragement and personal improvement
Safety signals must be absolutely adhered to during throwing activities
Progressive challenges build confidence while maintaining technique focus

Common Misconceptions

Thinking arm strength alone creates throwing power - emphasise whole body involvement
Believing faster throwing automatically means further throwing - focus on technique over speed
Assuming bigger steps forward are always better - teach controlled, balanced stepping
Thinking throwing hard reduces accuracy - demonstrate how good technique improves both
Believing competition means individual success only - emphasise team encouragement and sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment, additional practice time, broken-down technique steps with individual support

autism spectrum

Clear sequence charts for technique, consistent routine structure, quiet reflection space available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and targets, provide verbal descriptions of distances, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for throw/collect commands, written technique reminders displayed

physical disability

Seated throwing version available, lighter balls provided, modified distances based on ability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, counting consecutive passes, calculating improvements in metres

Science

Forces and motion, understanding how weight transfer creates power, studying trajectory and gravity effects

Geography

Using directional language for throwing aims, mapping throwing distances, understanding scale and measurement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, celebrating others' success and dealing with personal disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position for demonstrations, corner position for maximum visibility during competitions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct weight transfer, stepping action, and follow-through consistency

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with weight transfer concept, when safety protocols not followed, or when poor sportsmanship observed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate technique in slow motion for clarity, exaggerate weight transfer for visibility, show both correct and common incorrect forms for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Step and push together!'
•'Feel your weight move forward!'
•'Point where you want it to go!'
•'Chest, step, follow through!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space, clear of obstacles and boundaries

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Hoops inspected for stability and safety

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during collection phases
•Slips and falls on outdoor surface

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing and collection commands enforced
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building prevents overexertion
•No throwing until teacher signal given

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing areas
•Monitor high-activity collection phases closely
•Check for fatigue affecting coordination

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal practiced, immediate assessment of any injuries, appropriate first aid response available