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Lesson 3 - Throwing at Moving Targets

Confidence Through Skill Progression

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Year 3

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Use to mark boundaries, throwing lines, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Dodgeball

Ensure balls are properly inflated and not too hard for age group

Alternative: Foam balls, soft play balls for safety

Hoops

Distributed around activity area for target practice

Alternative: Targets drawn on floor, buckets, or baskets

Key Vocabulary

Leading the target

Throwing the ball ahead of where someone is moving so it hits them when they reach that spot

Fake throw

Pretending to throw in one direction to trick an opponent before throwing elsewhere

Balanced stance

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward for stability when throwing

Fair play

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

Student can hit moving targets 3 out of 5 attempts

Student consistently aims ahead of moving targets

Student demonstrates fair play without adult reminders

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