Lesson 2 - Overarm Throw Accuracy
Team Tactics & Strategy
•Year 3
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Store in equipment bag at side of area for easy collection
Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls
Position at varying distances from throwing lines
Alternative: Large hoops, marked areas with chalk/cones
Create throwing lines at 5m, 10m, 15m intervals
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is released from above shoulder height with a high elbow position
Body position where the thrower stands sideways to the target with opposite foot forward
The ability to consistently hit a specific area or target when throwing
Using body rotation and weight shift to generate force in the throw
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
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