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Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching Skills

Foundation Skills & Team Play

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Year 3

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Rounders

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1h 11min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Place in equipment box at edge of teaching area

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing extra support

Cones

Use to mark boundaries and target positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Hoops

Spread around teaching area for 'Throw and Run' game

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked squares

Balls

Available for students needing easier catching practice

Alternative: Foam balls or soft playground balls

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throwing

Throwing technique where the arm moves above shoulder height in an arc motion

Underarm throwing

Throwing technique where the arm stays below shoulder height in a pendulum motion

Target

The specific place or person you aim to throw the ball towards

Fielders

Players who retrieve and return the ball after it has been thrown

Batting

In this lesson, throwing the ball to start the game (no bat required)

Cushioning

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

Consistent opposite foot forward when throwing

Eyes tracking ball throughout catch

Smooth weight transfer in throwing action

Quick recovery and repositioning after catches

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