Lesson 3 - Overarm & Underarm Throws
Fielding Mastery
•Year 3
•Rounders
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How can we use accurate throwing to control the game and help our team win?
Learning Objectives
- To apply overarm and underarm throwing techniques accurately in game situations
- To understand when to use different throwing techniques to keep a batter's score low
- To work collaboratively as a fielding team to outwit the batting team
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw accurately using both overarm and underarm techniques
- Students will make tactical decisions about where and how to throw the ball
- Students will understand the roles of batting and fielding teams in rounders
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in basket at edge of playing area for easy collection
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety
Set up 4 bases in diamond formation, approximately 8-10m apart
Alternative: Spots, hoops, or chalk circles
Create 2m x 2m squares, 10-15m apart
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or masking tape
Different colours for each team to avoid confusion
Alternative: Coloured bands or team cards
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball with the arm moving over the shoulder in a high arc
Throwing the ball with the arm moving under the shoulder in a low arc
The team trying to get the batter out and prevent runs being scored
The team trying to score runs by hitting or throwing the ball and running around bases
Throwing the ball exactly where you want it to go
The specific place or person you are aiming to throw the ball to
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Simple catching skills
- Understanding of team games and turn-taking
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with accuracy
- Strategic thinking about ball placement
- Teamwork in fielding situations
Next Steps
- Batting techniques with rounders bat
- Advanced fielding positions and roles
- Full rounders game with official rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing requires side-on stance with opposite foot forward for maximum accuracy and power
- Tactical thinking about ball placement is as important as throwing technique in striking and fielding games
- Fielding teams must work together with quick communication and accurate throws to be successful
- Throwing accuracy improves with practice - encourage students to focus on technique over power
- Different throwing techniques (overarm/underarm) should be selected based on distance and situation
- Positive teamwork and encouragement help everyone improve and enjoy the game more
- Safety in throwing activities requires awareness of others and controlled, directed throws only
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Throwing harder means throwing better' - Correction: Accuracy and technique are more important than power
- Misconception: 'I should throw the ball toward the fielders' - Correction: Look for empty spaces to make fielding difficult
- Misconception: 'Underarm and overarm throws are the same' - Correction: Each has different uses based on distance and accuracy needed
- Misconception: 'Only batting is important in rounders' - Correction: Good fielding and throwing can win games by limiting runs
- Misconception: 'I can't throw well so I'm bad at rounders' - Correction: Everyone can improve with practice, and teamwork is equally important
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls initially, extra practice time for throwing technique, simplified game rules if needed
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed for regulation
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide audio cues for ball direction, buddy system for guidance around bases
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted throwing from seated position, shorter throwing distances, modified running to walking around bases
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting runs/points scored, measuring distances between bases, understanding angles of throwing trajectories
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, gravity affecting ball flight, body systems responding to exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions around diamond bases
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when losing, celebrating others' success, managing competitive emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around groups to observe all students, position at corner for maximum visibility during whole-class instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for correct overarm technique, safe throwing directions, positive team interactions, and tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing technique unsafe, conflicts arise between students, or students showing signs of frustration
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate new skills slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples when possible. Exaggerate key technique points for visibility.
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on stance!' when students face target square
- •'Opposite foot forward!' for correct stepping
- •'Find the space!' to encourage tactical throwing
- •'Quick hands!' for faster ball transfers between bases
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, stones, or wet patches that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage - no splits or hard spots
- •Cones positioned securely and visible
- •Adequate spacing between groups to prevent ball collision
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from wild throws
- •Collisions during running around bases
- •Slips and trips on playing surface
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established and enforced
- •Adequate spacing between activity groups
- •Controlled running pace around bases
- •Regular hydration breaks, especially in warm weather
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas like base running
- •Watch for students showing signs of fatigue
- •Intervene immediately for unsafe throwing
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity with clear signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school office if serious injury