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Lesson 2 - Overarm Throw Accuracy

Team Tactics & Strategy

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Year 3

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can mastering overarm throwing help us become more effective fielders in cricket?

Learning Objectives

Develop the fundamental technique of overarm throwing with correct body positioning
Apply overarm throwing skills tactically to hit targets at varying distances
Understand when and why to use overarm throwing in cricket situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct overarm throwing technique with side-on stance
Students will accurately throw overarm to targets from different distances
Students will explain when overarm throwing is most effective in cricket

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Store in equipment bag at side of area for easy collection

Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls

Hoops

7 hoops

Position at varying distances from throwing lines

Alternative: Large hoops, marked areas with chalk/cones

Sun Markers

20 cones

Create throwing lines at 5m, 10m, 15m intervals

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released from above shoulder height with a high elbow position

Side-on stance

Body position where the thrower stands sideways to the target with opposite foot forward

Target accuracy

The ability to consistently hit a specific area or target when throwing

Power transfer

Using body rotation and weight shift to generate force in the throw

Tactical throwing

Choosing where and how to throw based on game situation and field positions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of aiming and target practice
Experience with simple ball games and turn-taking

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique development
Tactical decision-making in target selection
Understanding distance and power relationships

Next Steps

Applying overarm throwing in game situations
Combining throwing with catching and fielding
Advanced throwing under pressure scenarios

Milestone Indicators

Consistent side-on stance before throwing

High elbow position maintained throughout throw

Accurate throws hitting target areas 7/10 times

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance is foundation for all overarm throwing
High elbow position creates power and accuracy
Observation before throwing enables tactical success
Progressive challenges build confidence and skill
Team communication improves fielding effectiveness
Technique must be maintained under game pressure
Positive attitude enhances learning for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Thinking overarm throws are just about throwing harder - technique is more important than power
Believing accuracy isn't important if you throw far - both distance and accuracy matter in cricket
Assuming all throws should be the same - different situations require different throwing strategies
Not understanding when to use overarm vs underarm - overarm is for longer distances and quick returns

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified throwing technique breakdown, larger equipment, extra practice time, reduce coordination demands

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and target boxes, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, modified distances, larger target areas, alternative throwing implements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, calculating scores, understanding angles and trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, gravity effects, energy transfer from body to ball

Geography

Direction and orientation, using compass points for tactical positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others' abilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all throwing lanes, preferably at a 45-degree angle to observe technique

Observation Focus

Watch for side-on stance, high elbow position, and tactical decision-making in target selection

Intervention Points

Step in if students revert to dangerous technique or if competitive tensions rise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate overarm technique from side view for clear visibility of body positioning and arm action

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on stance, opposite foot forward!'
•'High elbow, reach up tall!'
•'Look before you throw!'
•'Technique first, power second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area with additional space for target practice

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes or obstacles, suitable for running and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure target boxes have no sharp edges or protrusions
•Verify cones are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running activities
•Slips and falls during throwing actions
•Shoulder strain from overarm throwing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions away from other students
•Adequate spacing between throwing stations
•Progressive technique teaching before power development
•Proper warm-up targeting throwing muscles

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all throwing activities simultaneously
•Monitor technique to prevent injury from poor form
•Ensure clear retrieval procedures for balls

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injured student, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury