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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Confidence Through Skills

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Year 3

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

15-20 (1 per student plus spares)

Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls

Cones

12-15

Mark court boundaries and throwing zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two different colours for Danish Longball teams

Alternative: Coloured cones for team areas

Measuring Tapes

For setting up Danish Longball court distances

Alternative: Pre-marked lines on playground

Stopwatch

For timing challenge activities

Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing

Soft hands

Relaxed catching technique where hands give way slightly on impact to cushion the ball

Target

Using hands to show the thrower exactly where to aim the ball

Tactical decision

Choosing the best action based on the game situation

Fielding

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

Consistent catching without fumbling

Accurate throws to moving targets

Quick decision-making under game pressure

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