Lesson 5 - Overarm Throwing for Distance
Technical Mastery Focus
•Year 3
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use overarm throwing to reach targets over longer distances in cricket?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing technique for longer distances
- To understand when to use overarm throws in game situations
- To apply modified cricket rules fairly and safely
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique with correct body positioning
- Students will make tactical decisions about when to use overarm throws
- Students will play modified cricket games following rules and showing good sportsmanship
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in ball bag at activity station
Alternative: Rounders balls, bean bags for students with grip difficulties
Set up at both ends of each cricket pitch
Alternative: Tall cones, skittles, or markers
Mark boundaries, distances, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, discs, or spot markers
Various sizes available for different student heights
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets, or paddle bats
Mark 4 and 6 run boundaries on each pitch
Alternative: Rope, tape, or additional cones
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder to generate power and distance
Body position where the non-throwing shoulder points towards the target
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
The moment when the ball leaves the hand during a throw
The continuation of arm movement after releasing the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of underarm throwing technique
- Awareness of cricket basics and modified games
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique for distance
- Tactical awareness of when to use different throws
- Application of modified cricket rules
Next Steps
- Combining throwing with fielding positions
- Advanced cricket tactics and strategies
- Full cricket gameplay with regulation rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Side-on stance is fundamental to generating power in overarm throwing
- Weight transfer from back foot to front foot provides the energy for distance
- Eyes must stay focused on the target throughout the throwing motion
- Elbow should be bent and hand behind head for maximum arm swing
- Follow through is important for accuracy and injury prevention
- Tactical awareness of when to use overarm vs underarm throws in games
- Cooperative play and fair application of rules enhances learning for all
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking they need to throw harder rather than use better technique for distance
- Confusion about when overarm throws are appropriate vs underarm throws
- Misunderstanding that you're 'out' permanently in Pairs Cricket when you actually continue batting
- Belief that facing forward gives more power than side-on stance
- Thinking that arm strength alone creates distance rather than whole-body movement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity periods, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks and position changes
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique development
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule for lesson structure, quiet zones available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for all movements, partner guidance for positioning
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, peer support for communication
physical disability
- Modified throwing distances, seated throwing positions, alternative equipment sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems with addition and subtraction, measuring throwing distances, calculating point totals in cricket
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, angles of release, gravity effects on ball flight
Geography
Understanding of space and direction, mapping field positions, measuring distances
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play values, handling competition positively, resilience when making mistakes
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during practice, stand where all can see during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development and safe play in game situations
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, students are struggling, or game rules need reinforcement
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on stance!'
- •'Arm back behind head!'
- •'Rock and transfer!'
- •'Eyes on target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 60m for two cricket pitches plus warm-up activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, grass preferred for cricket
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats for splinters or cracks
- •Tennis balls properly inflated and not split
- •Stumps stable and safe for play
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during fielding or running
- •Overexertion during throwing practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes and safe distances maintained
- •Proper technique taught to prevent injury
- •Controlled game environment with clear rules
- •Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activities
- •Monitor throwing techniques for safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious