Lesson 3 - Accurate Throwing and Shooting
Passing to Competition
•Year 3
•Handball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use accurate throwing to support our teammates and score goals?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate overarm throwing and shooting technique
- Understand the importance of backing up teammates
- Demonstrate self-motivation and confidence in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw accurately using correct overarm technique
- Students will actively support teammates during gameplay
- Students will engage positively in competitive activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for beginners
Various sizes for different activities
Alternative: Marker spots, plastic bottles
For Space Invaders activity
Alternative: Beach balls, playground balls
For setting up 15m distances accurately
Alternative: Paced distances, marked lines
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a high arc
Moving to support teammates by collecting missed or wild throws
Body position with non-throwing side facing the target
Keeping the throwing elbow at shoulder height or above during throw
Shifting body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Continuing the throwing motion 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 simple throwing movements
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with accuracy and power
- Supporting teammates through backing up
- Self-assessment of throwing technique
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques under pressure
- Complex team tactics and positioning
- Leadership roles in competitive handball
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways stance is crucial - non-throwing side faces target for power and accuracy
- High elbow position at shoulder height throughout the throwing motion
- Weight transfer from back foot to front foot generates power and accuracy
- Follow through completes the throw and ensures consistent direction
- Backing up teammates shows good sportsmanship and keeps games flowing
- Low shots are tactically superior in handball - harder for goalkeepers to save
- Self-motivation and positive attitude are as important as technical skills
Common Misconceptions
- Students think facing the target square-on gives more power - emphasise sideways stance benefits
- Many believe throwing harder automatically means throwing more accurately - focus on technique over power
- Some students think backing up means they're admitting their teammate is bad - explain it's supportive teamwork
- Students may think high throws are more impressive - explain tactical advantages of low shots
- Some believe competition means being unfriendly - emphasise positive competitive spirit
- Students might think technique doesn't matter in games - stress consistency under pressure
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear movement boundaries, regular praise and feedback, physical movement breaks, simple focused instructions
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment and targets, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown, reduced complexity
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, advance warning of activity changes, consistent rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of visual demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, sound cues for target locations
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules, buddy system for communication
physical disability
- Seated throwing versions, adapted distances and target sizes, modified equipment like lighter balls, alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using technical vocabulary, explaining tactics to others
Maths
Measuring 15-metre distances, counting scores and points in games, calculating accuracy percentages
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory paths, balance and coordination during weight transfer
Geography
Directional language (left/right, forward/backward), spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Self-motivation and resilience, teamwork and cooperation, handling competitive pressure positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between groups, position at corner of area for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique maintenance, positive attitude in competition, effective backing up behaviours
Intervention Points
Step in if technique deteriorates significantly, if competitive pressure becomes negative, or if students aren't engaging
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate techniques in slow motion first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples. Exaggerate key points for visibility.
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance - show me that shoulder pointing to target!'
- •'High elbow - get that elbow up to shoulder height!'
- •'Step and throw - feel that weight shift!'
- •'Back up your teammate - move to help!'
- •'Low shots win goals - aim for the corners!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry conditions, no trip hazards or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Handballs properly inflated and undamaged
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Wall targets at appropriate height for age group
- •Large balls properly inflated but not over-pressurized
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during tag and competitive games
- •Slips during rapid direction changes
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
- •Gentle tag rules emphasised and monitored
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Regular hydration reminders during intense activities
- •Clear start/stop signals for all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas like Space Invaders closely
- •Check technique to prevent overuse injuries
- •Ensure competitive activities remain positive and inclusive
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required