Lesson 2 - Overarm Throwing Technique
Fielding Mastery
•Year 3
•Rounders
•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 overarm throwing to become better fielders in rounders?
Learning Objectives
- To introduce and develop overarm throwing technique with accuracy and power
- To understand when and why to use overarm throwing in rounders
- To apply overarm throwing skills in competitive target activities
Key Outcomes
- Students can demonstrate basic overarm throwing technique with side-on stance
- Students understand the tactical purpose of overarm throwing in rounders
- Students can throw with increased accuracy toward targets at varying distances
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in central basket for easy collection
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with reduced confidence
Positioned at various distances from throwing lines
Alternative: Hoops, chalk circles, or cone squares on ground
Set at 5m intervals from 5m to 25m from targets
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers on playground
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a high arc
Standing with your non-throwing side facing the target
Using opposite arm to opposite foot when throwing
The moment when you let go of the ball during the throw
Where players stand to best catch or retrieve the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing from Key Stage 1
- Understanding of simple striking and fielding games
- Ability to catch and retrieve balls safely
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique with side-on stance
- Throwing with accuracy over increasing distances
- Understanding tactical application in rounders
Next Steps
- Combining overarm throwing with catching in fielding sequences
- Using overarm throwing strategically in full rounders games
- Developing consistency and power in throwing technique
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Side-on stance with non-throwing shoulder pointing toward target
- Opposite foot forward (step with foot opposite to throwing arm)
- High arm position - reach back and throw over shoulder like picking apples
- Release ball at highest point of throw for maximum distance and accuracy
- Focus on accuracy before power - technique first, distance second
- Use overarm throwing when needing power and distance in rounders games
- Tactical decision-making about appropriate throwing distances for individual ability
Common Misconceptions
- Students think overarm throwing is just about throwing harder - emphasise technique over power
- Confusion about which foot goes forward - use walking analogy to clarify opposite foot rule
- Belief that facing the target is correct - reinforce side-on stance importance
- Assumption that overarm is always better than underarm - explain tactical choices in games
- Thinking release point doesn't matter - demonstrate effects of early/late release clearly
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with variety, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks when needed
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique breakdowns, extra practice time, larger equipment for success, step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine cards, predictable lesson structure, quiet reflection zones available, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for spatial orientation, tactile markers for throwing positions
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written technique reminders on display, hand signals for key instructions, peer buddy support
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, modified distances, adapted equipment (larger/lighter balls), focus on achievable technique elements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating team scores, understanding angles of throw trajectory
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, gravity effects on ball flight, muscular system during physical activity
Geography
Direction and orientation in throwing, spatial awareness, mapping throwing patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' successes
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of activity area with clear view of all students, move between pairs/teams to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct side-on stance, appropriate release point, accuracy development, and positive team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in if technique breaking down, if competitive pressure affecting safety, or if students struggling with tactical decisions
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, highlight key body positions clearly, repeat demonstrations from different angles for all students to see
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on stance like a fence panel!'
- •'Apple-picking arm - reach high!'
- •'Opposite foot forward like walking!'
- •'Smooth and accurate, not fast and wild!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space, clear of obstacles and with safe boundaries marked
Surface Check
Dry, level playground surface free from hazards, adequate grip for safe movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for correct inflation and no splits
- •Target boxes stable and positioned away from walls/fences
- •Cones placed safely out of throwing lanes
- •Regular equipment count to prevent loss
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body from wild throws
- •Collisions between students in throwing lanes
- •Shoulder strain from overexertion in throwing
- •Trips and falls when retrieving balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
- •Progressive skill building prevents overexertion
- •Emphasis on accuracy over power reduces wild throws
- •Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight lines across all throwing areas
- •Monitor technique to prevent injury-causing movements
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or shoulder discomfort
- •Ensure safe ball retrieval procedures
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if incident occurs, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely positioned