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Lesson 2 - Throwing Towards a Target

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 throwing accuracy to become better at target games?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing towards a target with increasing accuracy
To understand the importance of aiming at specific body parts in dodgeball
To demonstrate fair play and honesty during competitive activities

Key Outcomes

Students will throw with improved accuracy at stationary targets
Students will explain why aiming at feet/legs is an effective strategy
Students will show honesty and fair play throughout the lesson

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

Place in centre of playing area for 'Cross the line' activity

Alternative: Large rubber ball, medicine ball

Cones

Used for targets, boundaries, and scoring system in 3v3 game

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, spots

Dodgeball

Soft foam balls recommended for safety. Distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, bean bags

Bibs

Four different colours for team identification during 'Cross the line'

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards

Key Vocabulary

Target

Something to aim at when throwing

Accuracy

How close to the target you can throw

Dead zone

The middle area where balls are placed to start

End zone

Your team's area where you are safe

Fair play

Playing honestly and following the rules

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic underarm and overarm throwing techniques
Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Basic catching skills with both hands

Current Skills

Throwing accurately towards stationary targets
Understanding tactical throwing in dodgeball
Demonstrating honesty and fair play in competitive situations

Next Steps

Throwing at moving targets
Advanced dodging techniques
Team strategy development in invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent hits on stationary targets from 4m

Understanding of why aiming low is effective

Self-regulation of fair play without teacher intervention

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise below-shoulder throwing for safety in dodgeball
Follow-through with pointing hand is crucial for throwing accuracy
Aiming at feet/legs in dodgeball makes catching much more difficult
Honesty when hit creates fair and enjoyable games for everyone
Taking turns in teams develops cooperation and shared success
Progressive challenge (stepping back) builds confidence and skill
Connect skill practice to game application throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder throws are more accurate - emphasise technique over power
Believing aiming high in dodgeball is better - explain tactical advantage of low throws
Assuming being hit in dodgeball is negative - reframe as positive scoring in this version
Not understanding that catching rewards both teams - clarify dual benefit system
Thinking cooperation reduces individual success - show how teamwork enhances performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular active breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified throwing technique focus, larger targets initially, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual cues for rules, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, predictable activity progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, partner guidance for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure students can see teacher's face

physical disability

Seated throwing positions available, modified equipment like larger/lighter balls, adapted court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and cones, measuring 4-metre distances, calculating team points and comparing totals

Science

Understanding forces when throwing, trajectory of balls, body systems warming up during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement around boundaries

PSHE

Honesty and integrity, working cooperatively in teams, managing competitive emotions and celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly, move around during activities to monitor all groups

Observation Focus

Watch for throwing technique, accuracy improvement, cooperation between students, and honest play

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too high, if students show dishonesty, or if cooperation breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Always show throwing technique with exaggerated follow-through, demonstrate honest reactions to being hit, model positive encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Point your hand at the target!'
•'Aim low to make it harder to catch!'
•'Well done for being honest!'
•'Take turns in your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, preferably sports hall or large playground area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet patches or obstacles that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft foam dodgeballs only - check for damage or hard areas
•Cones stable and positioned away from throwing areas when not in use
•Basketball properly inflated and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions during movement between activities
•Trips over equipment or other students
•Overexertion during warm-up activities

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce below-shoulder throwing rule strictly
•Maintain adequate spacing between pairs and teams
•Clear equipment management between activities
•Progressive warm-up with monitoring for overexertion

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing activities
•Move between groups during game play
•Monitor throwing height and technique continuously
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if head strike occurs, assess injury appropriately, first aid trained staff to attend any injuries