Lesson 3 - Throwing Skills and Communication
Confidence Through Skills
•Year 3
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can precise throwing and clear communication help my team succeed in rounders?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate throwing techniques using both overarm and underarm methods
- Communicate effectively with teammates during game situations
- Demonstrate understanding of rounders rules including no balls and fielding positions
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw with improved accuracy and technique
- Students will use clear communication to support team play
- Students will show understanding of rules and accept umpire decisions
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed across activity stations
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft cricket balls
Set up 8 metres from throwing line
Alternative: Cones stacked, skittles
Various colours for golf course activity
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
For accuracy throwing practice
Alternative: Small balls, quoits
Mark bases, boundaries, and throwing positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk marks
Create 4 mini-pitches for game activity
Alternative: Flat markers, chalk squares
Key Vocabulary
A ball bowled incorrectly that doesn't count towards the batter's allowance
The player positioned behind the batter to catch missed balls and judge no balls
Throwing technique with arm moving over the shoulder for power and distance
Bowling technique with arm swinging below shoulder level for accuracy
Player responsible for defending a specific base position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of simple team games
- Basic catching and fielding skills
Current Skills
- Accurate throwing at various distances
- Team communication during games
- Understanding of rounders rules and positions
Next Steps
- Advanced batting techniques
- Complex fielding strategies
- Umpiring and scoring responsibilities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Opposite leg forward when bowling for balance and accuracy
- Smooth, controlled throwing actions are more accurate than rushed powerful throws
- Clear communication prevents collisions and improves team performance
- Accepting umpire decisions gracefully is essential for fair play
- Fielders must understand when to leave base position and when to return
- Self-assessment helps students take ownership of their learning progress
- Safety awareness is crucial - especially bat handling and throwing zones
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is more important than accuracy in throwing - correct by emphasising technique first
- Believing fielders must always stay on their base - explain dynamic fielding movement
- Assuming no balls don't matter - clarify impact on batter's turn allocation
- Thinking only perfect throws count as successful - celebrate improvement and effort
- Believing disagreeing with decisions is acceptable - teach sportsmanship and respect for officials
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified throwing techniques, larger equipment, additional practice time, step-by-step breakdown of complex skills
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, use of visual signals for game stops/starts
physical disability
- Seated throwing options, modified distances, larger targets, adapted equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting scores and throws, measuring distances, understanding odd and even numbers
Science
Forces in throwing - trajectory and power, body movement and coordination systems
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness in fielding positions, mapping game areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions with good grace, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing visibility of all stations/groups, move between activities to provide support
Observation Focus
Watch for throwing technique improvement, team communication quality, and sportsmanship demonstration
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, rule clarification needs, or when students show frustration with challenges
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, model positive reactions to success and failure, show clear rule applications in context
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite leg forward for balance!'
- •'Smooth throwing action, no rushing!'
- •'Call for the ball - Mine!'
- •'Great sportsmanship accepting that decision!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for stations and mini-pitches, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure bats are appropriate size for Year 3 students
- •Verify all bases and markers are secure and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from throwing activities
- •Collisions during running and chasing
- •Trips from equipment or base markers
- •Bat-related incidents during running
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing zones with adequate space
- •Soft balls used for all activities
- •Bat safety rules enforced - keep hold while running
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor throwing stations for safe technique
- •Watch for fair play and rule following
- •Ensure equipment used correctly at all times
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, maintain calm environment