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Lesson 5 - Overarm Throwing for Distance

Technical Mastery Focus

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Year 3

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Stored in ball bag at activity station

Alternative: Rounders balls, bean bags for students with grip difficulties

Cricket Stumps

6 sets (18 stumps)

Set up at both ends of each cricket pitch

Alternative: Tall cones, skittles, or markers

Cones

20-30

Mark boundaries, distances, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, discs, or spot markers

Cricket Equipment

8-10

Various sizes available for different student heights

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets, or paddle bats

Sun Markers

4 sets

Mark 4 and 6 run boundaries on each pitch

Alternative: Rope, tape, or additional cones

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder to generate power and distance

Side-on stance

Body position where the non-throwing shoulder points towards the target

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw

Release point

The moment when the ball leaves the hand during a throw

Follow through

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

Consistent side-on stance when throwing

Ability to throw accurately over 15-20 metres

Making appropriate tactical decisions in game situations

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