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Lesson 3 - Overarm & Underarm Throws

Fielding Mastery

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Year 3

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Rounders

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per 2 students (15)

Store in basket at edge of playing area for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety

Cones

16 (4 per group for bases)

Set up 4 bases in diamond formation, approximately 8-10m apart

Alternative: Spots, hoops, or chalk circles

Markers

8 (for target throwing activity)

Create 2m x 2m squares, 10-15m apart

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or masking tape

Bibs

15 (to distinguish teams)

Different colours for each team to avoid confusion

Alternative: Coloured bands or team cards

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing the ball with the arm moving over the shoulder in a high arc

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with the arm moving under the shoulder in a low arc

Fielding

The team trying to get the batter out and prevent runs being scored

Batting

The team trying to score runs by hitting or throwing the ball and running around bases

Accuracy

Throwing the ball exactly where you want it to go

Target

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

Consistent side-on stance when throwing overarm

Ball reaches target without bouncing

Quick decision-making about throw direction

Effective communication with teammates during fielding

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