Lesson 2 - Throwing Towards a Target
Confidence Through Skill Progression
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
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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
Place in centre of playing area for 'Cross the line' activity
Alternative: Large rubber ball, medicine ball
Used for targets, boundaries, and scoring system in 3v3 game
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, spots
Soft foam balls recommended for safety. Distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, bean bags
Four different colours for team identification during 'Cross the line'
Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards
Key Vocabulary
Something to aim at when throwing
How close to the target you can throw
The middle area where balls are placed to start
Your team's area where you are safe
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
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