Lesson 3 - Javelin Throwing Accuracy
Technique & Excellence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we throw with power and accuracy like Olympic athletes?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the overarm throwing technique using the 'pull throw' method
- To improve accuracy when throwing at targets from different distances
- To understand the importance of body positioning and follow-through in throwing
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique with correct body positioning
- Students will show increased accuracy when throwing at targets
- Students will understand safety procedures for throwing activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Store safely away from throwing area until needed
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam javelins, or tennis balls in socks
Place at different distances and angles for target practice
Alternative: Hoops, cones, or marked areas with chalk
Different colours for each team if possible
Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, or skittles
Medium-sized balls that can be thrown accurately
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft play balls
Should hold ball securely but allow easy knock-off
Alternative: Traffic cones, bottles, or improvised stands
For measuring throwing distances and setting up areas
Alternative: Pre-marked lines on ground, or counting paces
Clear audio signals for safety coordination
Alternative: Hand signals, tambourine, or voice commands
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the elbow leads the action, followed by the hand
Body positioned with opposite foot forward from throwing arm
Continuing the throwing motion after release for maximum power
The moment when the javelin leaves the hand, past head height
The path the javelin takes through the air
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of personal space
- Following simple instructions and signals
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with correct body position
- Pull technique with elbow-first action
- Accuracy throwing at various targets
Next Steps
- Javelin throwing with run-up approach
- Advanced throwing for distance competitions
- Teaching others throwing techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways stance with opposite foot forward creates power and accuracy
- Elbow leads the throwing action - 'pull through' technique
- Safety signals must be followed strictly for javelin activities
- Accuracy develops through consistent technique, not just power
- Weight transfer from back to front foot increases throwing distance
- Follow-through in direction of target improves accuracy
- Practice makes permanent - focus on correct technique every throw
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking more power always means better throws - correct technique with control is more effective
- Believing the hand leads the throw - the elbow must lead for proper pull technique
- Assuming all throws should be as hard as possible - accuracy requires controlled force
- Thinking safety rules don't apply to soft equipment - all throwing activities need safety protocols
- Believing natural throwing is best - overarm technique requires specific learning and practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate feedback, engaging competitive elements
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique steps, extra practice time, larger targets, bilateral coordination activities, physical guidance when needed
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and signals, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable structure, advance warning of changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured javelins, verbal descriptions of target positions, buddy system for guidance, textured targets
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for throwing and collection, written instruction cards, demonstration emphasis, vibrating signal devices
physical disability
- Seated throwing positions, lighter equipment, reduced distances, modified grip options, wheelchair accessible areas
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion, gravity effects on projectiles, muscle and bone systems during exercise
Geography
Directions and orienteering, mapping throwing areas, understanding distances and scales
Mathematics
Measuring throwing distances, calculating scores, angles of trajectory, data collection and analysis
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, supporting others' learning, resilience when practicing skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all groups, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Technique development, safety compliance, accuracy improvement, group cooperation
Intervention Points
Poor technique habits forming, safety rules being ignored, students becoming frustrated, unequal participation
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points, provide positive examples of good throws
Verbal Cues
- •'Elbow first, hand follows!'
- •'Sideways stance, pull through!'
- •'Wait for the signal!'
- •'Aim, then throw with control!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m outdoor area with clear run-off space
Surface Check
Level ground, clear of obstacles, dry surface preferred
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check soft javelins for damage before use
- •Ensure mats are flat and secure
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Javelin strikes to students
- •Collisions during collection
- •Overarm throwing injuries
- •Slips and falls
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict signal system for throwing and collection
- •All throwing in same direction only
- •Clear separation between throwers and collection areas
- •Proper warm-up to prevent muscle strain
- •Groups maintain safe distances
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups simultaneously
- •Move regularly to provide close observation
- •Maintain clear sightlines to throwing areas
- •Ready access to first aid if needed
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required