Lesson 3 - Throwing at Moving Targets
Confidence Through Skill Progression
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we improve our accuracy when throwing at something that's moving?
Learning Objectives
- To develop throwing accuracy at moving targets
- To understand the concept of leading a target when throwing
- To demonstrate fair play and honesty during competitive activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to throw towards moving targets with improved accuracy
- Students will apply the technique of aiming ahead of moving targets
- Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship and honest play
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to mark boundaries, throwing lines, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Ensure balls are properly inflated and not too hard for age group
Alternative: Foam balls, soft play balls for safety
Distributed around activity area for target practice
Alternative: Targets drawn on floor, buckets, or baskets
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball ahead of where someone is moving so it hits them when they reach that spot
Pretending to throw in one direction to trick an opponent before throwing elsewhere
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward for stability when throwing
Playing honestly, following rules, and accepting when you are out
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing technique with stationary targets
- Understanding of dodgeball basic rules
- Ability to catch and throw a ball with control
Current Skills
- Throwing at moving targets
- Leading targets when throwing
- Strategic thinking in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced dodgeball tactics and team strategies
- Throwing under pressure in competitive situations
- Leadership roles in team games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always throw ahead of moving targets - lead them like passing to a friend
- Point your hand towards where you want the ball to go after releasing
- Use a balanced stance with one foot forward when throwing for accuracy
- Fake throws work best when your eyes look one way but throw another
- Fair play and honesty make games enjoyable for everyone
- Only hits below shoulder level count for safety reasons
- Practice makes progress - celebrate improvement, not just success
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Throwing harder makes you more accurate' - Correction: Controlled throwing with good technique is more effective than power
- Misconception: 'Aim exactly where the target is now' - Correction: Must lead moving targets by throwing ahead of their movement
- Misconception: 'Fake throws should be obvious' - Correction: Subtle fakes using eyes and body language are most effective
- Misconception: 'It's okay to argue about hits if you think you're right' - Correction: Honest acceptance of hits makes games fair and fun for all
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, clear movement boundaries, regular activity changes to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent rules and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and hoops, provide verbal cues for target location, assign buddy for guidance, use sound cues for moving targets
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstrate all instructions clearly, provide written game rules, use hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Modify throwing distance based on ability, allow seated throwing positions, use larger targets for success, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of trajectory, prediction and estimation, timing and measurement, counting successful hits
Science
Forces and motion, projectile motion, cause and effect relationships, reaction time
Geography
Direction and positioning, spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Fair play and honesty, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activities to maintain sight of all students, position near potential conflict areas during competitive games
Observation Focus
Watch for throwing technique, fair play, spatial awareness, and appropriate target selection
Intervention Points
["Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive or unsafe", "Support students who are struggling with the leading target concept", "Address any disputes about hits immediately and fairly", "Encourage participation from less confident throwers"]
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to demonstrate concepts, exaggerate movements for visibility, show both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Point where you want the ball to go!'
- •'Throw ahead of them, not at them!'
- •'Fake throw - eyes one way, ball the other!'
- •'Be honest - good sports always are!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, preferably indoor hall with good lighting
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or obstacles, adequate ceiling height for throws
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Dodgeballs properly inflated but not overly hard
- •Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Cones placed securely to avoid tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to head or face
- •Collisions between students during movement
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Disputes leading to behavioural issues
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict below-shoulder throwing rule enforced
- •Clear boundaries and movement channels established
- •Adequate spacing between activities and students
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
- •Progressive skill building from static to moving targets
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all throwing activities
- •Monitor game areas for rule compliance and safety
- •Intervene quickly if unsafe throwing occurs
- •Watch for students who may need additional support or challenge
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if necessary