Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills
Confidence Through Skills
•Year 3
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can good throwing and catching technique help us make tactical decisions in games?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate underarm throwing technique with correct grip and follow-through
- Improve catching technique using soft hands and proper body positioning
- Make tactical decisions about when to run and when to stay in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy and catching consistency
- Students will show understanding of basic tactical decision-making in striking and fielding games
- Students will link throwing and catching skills to perform effective game sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls
Mark court boundaries and throwing zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Two different colours for Danish Longball teams
Alternative: Coloured cones for team areas
For setting up Danish Longball court distances
Alternative: Pre-marked lines on playground
For timing challenge activities
Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing
Relaxed catching technique where hands give way slightly on impact to cushion the ball
Using hands to show the thrower exactly where to aim the ball
Choosing the best action based on the game situation
The team not batting who try to prevent runs and get batters out
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous units
- Understanding of simple game rules and fair play
- Experience working cooperatively in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Correct underarm throwing grip and technique
- Catching with soft hands and proper positioning
- Tactical decision-making in striking and fielding contexts
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing techniques for greater distance
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
- Complex game strategies and team coordination
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct throwing grip is fundamental - two fingers on top, thumb supporting underneath
- Soft hands catching technique prevents fumbles and builds confidence
- Decision-making in games requires quick thinking about risk versus reward
- Communication prevents collisions and improves team effectiveness
- Quality technique matters more than speed or power in skill development
- Self-assessment helps students take ownership of their learning
- Game application allows skills to be tested under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking harder throws are more accurate - emphasise controlled technique over power
- Believing catching is just about hands - teach whole body positioning and movement
- Assuming all game decisions should be risky - explain tactical thinking about when to take chances
- Expecting immediate perfection - reinforce that skill development takes practice and patience
- Focusing only on individual success - highlight importance of team cooperation and communication
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular refocusing activities and positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger softer balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written rule cards available
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching practice, modified court sizes, alternative roles in games like scorer or coach
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear communication during games, following complex instructions, descriptive vocabulary for techniques
Maths
Counting catches and scores, measuring distances between courts, calculating point totals in Danish Longball
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, reaction times in catching
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, supporting classmates and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sight lines to all activity areas, move between groups for individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing grip, soft hands catching, tactical decision-making in games
Intervention Points
Step in if technique deteriorates, safety concerns arise, or students become frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve student demonstrators
Verbal Cues
- •'Two fingers on top!'
- •'Soft hands like catching an egg!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way!'
- •'Make a clear target!'
- •'Think before you decide!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for warm-up, 3 separate courts 15m x 10m for Danish Longball
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from stones or debris, non-slip conditions
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls for damage or excessive wear
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate spacing between activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or face
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movement
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasis on below head height rule in Danish Longball
- •Clear communication protocols to prevent collisions
- •Adequate spacing between courts and activities
- •Regular breaks and technique focus over speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all three courts simultaneously
- •Monitor for any unsafe throwing or catching attempts
- •Watch for fatigue or overexcitement affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on whistle, assess injury, apply first aid as needed, contact office if serious