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Lesson 3 - Underarm Throwing

Team Tactics & Strategy

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Year 3

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can accurate underarm throwing help fielders get batters out in cricket?

Learning Objectives

Develop accurate underarm throwing technique using opposite arm to opposite foot
Understand when and why to use underarm throwing in cricket situations
Apply underarm throwing skills in game contexts to support fielding strategies

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent underarm throwing technique with appropriate body positioning
Students will identify situations where underarm throwing is most effective in cricket
Students will work collaboratively as fielders to return the ball quickly and accurately

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, cricket balls (soft)

Tees

Spaced 3 metres apart around activity area

Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Cones

6 sets

Mark throwing lines, boundaries, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Softballs

Central targets for crossfire activity

Alternative: Medicine balls, large playground balls

Bibs

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height in an upward arc

Opposite arm to opposite foot

Body positioning where the throwing arm is opposite to the foot that steps forward

Target

The specific area or object you are aiming to hit with your throw

Fielding

The team not batting, whose job is to stop runs and get batters out

Accuracy

Throwing the ball precisely to the intended target

Quick release

Getting rid of the ball as fast as possible after collecting it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of simple throwing movements
Knowledge of basic cricket terminology from previous lessons

Current Skills

Underarm throwing technique with opposite arm to opposite foot
Accuracy in throwing towards targets
Quick release and decision-making in fielding scenarios

Next Steps

Developing overarm throwing for longer distances
Combining throwing with catching in fielding sequences
Understanding different throwing techniques for various fielding positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of opposite arm to opposite foot technique

Accuracy within 2 metres of target from 5 metre distance

Quick release within 4 seconds of collecting ball

Key Teaching Points

Opposite arm to opposite foot is fundamental for balance and accuracy
Smooth pendulum arm action provides consistency and control
Release point at bottom of swing maximises accuracy
Follow through towards target improves direction and power
Quick ball collection and release develops game-realistic skills
Encourage collaboration and positive communication throughout
Emphasise control and accuracy over power in all activities

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking power is more important than accuracy - emphasise control and precision
Confusion about which foot to step with - use clear 'opposite' language and demonstrations
Belief that underarm throwing is only for beginners - explain its tactical importance in cricket
Thinking they need to throw hard to be effective - demonstrate that gentle, accurate throws win games
Misunderstanding of when to use underarm vs overarm - explain distance and situation factors

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified technique focus, extended practice time, additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear activity routines, visual schedule, quiet area available if needed, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and targets, verbal cues for target location, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated throwing positions available, lighter balls or bean bags, modified target distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, counting successful hits, timing activities, calculating team scores

Science

Forces and motion in throwing actions, gravity affecting ball trajectory, energy transfer from body to ball

Geography

Directional awareness, spatial positioning, mapping movement patterns around activity areas

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when facing challenges, encouragement and support of others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility, move frequently to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for opposite arm to opposite foot technique, smooth pendulum arm action, accurate targeting

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with basic technique, poor safety awareness, or negative team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use exaggerated movements to show key teaching points clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Smooth pendulum swing!'
•'Follow through to your target!'
•'Control over power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m area, clear of obstacles with 2m safety buffer around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for stones or debris that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls properly inflated and undamaged
•Batting T's stable and positioned safely
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Regular equipment condition checks throughout lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from wild throws
•Collisions between students collecting balls
•Trips over scattered equipment or balls
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing lanes marked and maintained
•Adequate spacing between pairs and teams
•Immediate ball collection after activities
•Emphasis on controlled technique over power
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing areas
•Monitor high-activity zones during games
•Ensure adult assistance for equipment setup/collection
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety call, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required