Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions
Athletic Fundamentals
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use proper throwing techniques to compete fairly and achieve our personal best?
Learning Objectives
- To apply correct throwing techniques for shot put, javelin and discus in competitive situations
- To understand the three phases of throwing and their importance for distance
- To evaluate and improve throwing performance through peer observation and feedback
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proper stance and release timing in all three throwing disciplines
- Students will show body rotation and weight transfer to generate power in their throws
- Students will provide constructive feedback to peers about throwing technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Store safely in equipment bag when not in use
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes, or cardboard tubes
Check for damage before use
Alternative: Paper plates, flying discs, or foam rings
Ensure appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Small medicine balls, weighted bean bags, or tennis balls
Place at 10m intervals in four throwing zones
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or painted markers
Include team names and scoring system
Alternative: Whiteboards or clipboards with paper
For accurate distance measurement if needed
Alternative: Trundle wheels or pre-measured markers
Key Vocabulary
A track and field event where athletes push a heavy metal ball from the shoulder
A track and field throwing event using a spear-like implement
A track and field event involving throwing a heavy disc as far as possible
The position of your feet and body before beginning the throw
The moment when you let go of the throwing implement
Moving your body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing action
- Understanding of accuracy versus distance
- Safe handling of throwing equipment
- Simple competitive formats
Current Skills
- Shot put pushing technique with body rotation
- Javelin throwing with run-up approach
- Discus spinning technique with weight transfer
- Competitive throwing with scoring system
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques with longer approach runs
- Combined athletics competitions with multiple events
- Leadership roles in organising competitions
- Technical analysis using video or measurement tools
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot put is pushed from shoulder level, never thrown overhead
- Body rotation and weight transfer create power in all throwing disciplines
- Opposite foot steps forward when throwing (opposition principle)
- Release timing and angle are crucial for distance and accuracy
- Technique consistency is more important than maximum power
- Sportsmanship and team support are as important as individual performance
- Three phases of throwing: preparation, action, follow-through
Common Misconceptions
- Students think shot put should be thrown like a ball overhead - emphasise pushing action from shoulder
- Students believe only arm strength matters - demonstrate full body power generation
- Students think throwing harder always means throwing further - focus on technique and timing
- Students assume competition is only about winning - emphasise personal improvement and team support
- Students think all throwing is the same - highlight differences between shot put, javelin and discus techniques
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular positive reinforcement and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time, simplified technique focus on one element at a time, peer buddy support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of rotations, quiet retreat area available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured implements, clear verbal cues for direction, tactile markers for distance zones
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Modified implements (lighter weight), seated throwing options, adapted distances and techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances, calculating team scores, understanding angles and trajectories
Science
Forces and motion, energy transfer, body systems during exercise, friction and air resistance
Geography
Understanding directions, mapping throwing zones, spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork, fair play, dealing with competition pressure, supporting others, resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between zones to observe technique and provide feedback, maintain overview of all activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stance, rotation, weight transfer and safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, students are struggling with team dynamics, or scoring disputes arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations to show technique clearly, emphasise safety aspects, model positive competitive behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance, then rotate!'
- •'Push the shot, don't throw it!'
- •'Step through with power!'
- •'Keep javelin level!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m with clear throwing lanes
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all foam implements for damage before use
- •Ensure implements are appropriate weight for age group
- •Store sharp or heavy implements safely away from students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Implements hitting other students during throwing
- •Collisions during equipment retrieval
- •Muscle strain from improper throwing technique
- •Tripping over distance markers or equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions with no crossover between zones
- •Designated retrieval times when no throwing occurs
- •Adequate spacing between throwing zones
- •Progressive skill development from light to heavier implements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position adults at each throwing zone during competition
- •Maintain clear sight lines across all activity areas
- •Monitor technique to prevent injury from poor form
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact emergency services if required