Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching Skills
Foundation Skills & Team Play
•Year 3
•Rounders
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How can we use our whole body to throw accurately and catch safely?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to throw a ball using overarm and underarm techniques with control
- To catch a ball safely using correct positioning and technique
- To apply throwing and catching skills in a simple game situation
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate both overarm and underarm throwing techniques
- Students will catch balls consistently using correct hand positioning
- Students will apply skills in a modified rounders game context
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in equipment box at edge of teaching area
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing extra support
Use to mark boundaries and target positions
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks
Spread around teaching area for 'Throw and Run' game
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked squares
Available for students needing easier catching practice
Alternative: Foam balls or soft playground balls
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the arm moves above shoulder height in an arc motion
Throwing technique where the arm stays below shoulder height in a pendulum motion
The specific place or person you aim to throw the ball towards
Players who retrieve and return the ball after it has been thrown
In this lesson, throwing the ball to start the game (no bat required)
Using soft hands to absorb the impact when catching a ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and rolling skills
- Simple catching with large, soft balls
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing technique with accuracy
- Overarm throwing with proper body positioning
- Two-handed catching with correct hand positioning
- Basic game application of throwing and catching
Next Steps
- Throwing and catching while moving
- One-handed catching techniques
- Throwing for distance and height variation
- Advanced rounders tactics and positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Opposite foot forward when throwing - this provides better balance and power transfer
- Keep eyes on the ball throughout the catch - tracking is essential for successful catching
- Use whole body in throwing - weight transfer from back foot to front foot increases accuracy and distance
- Soft hands when catching - rigid hands cause balls to bounce out
- Consistent practice builds confidence - encourage students to keep trying rather than give up after mistakes
- Technique before power - accurate gentle throws are better than wild hard throws
- Communication in games - calling for the ball and counting helps teamwork
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Throwing harder makes it more accurate' - Correction: Focus on technique first, power develops naturally with practice
- Misconception: 'Same foot forward is fine' - Correction: Demonstrate how opposite foot provides better balance and power
- Misconception: 'One hand is better for catching' - Correction: Two hands provide more surface area and control for beginners
- Misconception: 'Looking away from ball is okay' - Correction: Eyes must track ball all the way to hands
- Misconception: 'Fielders should stay in one place' - Correction: Good fielders move quickly to where the ball is going
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently, assign specific roles in games
dyspraxia
- Start with larger equipment, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps, use hand-over-hand guidance, celebrate small improvements
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, establish clear routines for equipment collection, offer quiet space if needed, use consistent language and commands
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured or textured balls, provide verbal cues for ball location ('ball coming to your left'), establish consistent throwing positions, use physical guidance for hand positioning
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for common commands, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Modify to seated throwing if needed, use larger/softer balls, adjust distances appropriately, provide support worker if available for physical assistance
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting throws and catches, measuring distances in steps, recognising patterns in throwing sequences, basic addition for scoring in games
Science
Understanding forces in throwing - pushes and pulls, observing effects of different throwing strengths, discussing how muscles work during throwing actions
Geography
Directional language - throwing towards, away from, left, right, understanding spatial relationships and positioning
PSHE
Turn-taking and fair play, working cooperatively in pairs and groups, managing frustration when skills don't work immediately, celebrating others' successes
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice to provide individual feedback, corner position during games for oversight of all groups
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot positioning in throwing, two-handed catching technique, safe movement during games, inclusion of all students
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is consistently incorrect, when students are unsafe, when conflict arises in games, or when students appear frustrated or disengaged
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from side-on view for throwing techniques, exaggerate key movements, use both left and right-handed examples, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Straight arm like a pendulum!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Step and throw!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and low-hanging branches
Surface Check
Level, dry surface suitable for running and safe landing from jumps
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are in good condition with no cracks
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify hoops are intact with smooth edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or face during throwing practice
- •Collisions during running elements of throw and run game
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Overexertion during warm-up or game activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between pairs during throwing practice (minimum 3 metres)
- •Emphasise gentle throwing initially, building power gradually
- •Establish clear boundaries for game areas
- •Teach safe catching position with hands ready
- •Monitor running speed during games - control over speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all pairs during throwing practice
- •Monitor game areas for safe play and rule following
- •Watch for students who may be struggling with coordination
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe play observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with clear 'STOP' command, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, comfort, or seek additional support as needed