Lesson 3 - Underarm Throwing
Team Tactics & Strategy
•Year 3
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Bean bags, cricket balls (soft)
Spaced 3 metres apart around activity area
Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top
Mark throwing lines, boundaries, and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots
Central targets for crossfire activity
Alternative: Medicine balls, large playground balls
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height in an upward arc
Body positioning where the throwing arm is opposite to the foot that steps forward
The specific area or object you are aiming to hit with your throw
The team not batting, whose job is to stop runs and get batters out
Throwing the ball precisely to the intended target
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
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