🏃

Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

Athletic Fundamentals

•

Year 4

•

Athletics

•

1h 11min

Big Question

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

Foam Javelins

8-10

Store safely in equipment bag when not in use

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes, or cardboard tubes

Foam Discus

8-10

Check for damage before use

Alternative: Paper plates, flying discs, or foam rings

Balls

8-10

Ensure appropriate weight for age group

Alternative: Small medicine balls, weighted bean bags, or tennis balls

Sun Markers

40 cones

Place at 10m intervals in four throwing zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or painted markers

Score Sheets

8 (one per team)

Include team names and scoring system

Alternative: Whiteboards or clipboards with paper

Measuring Tapes

For accurate distance measurement if needed

Alternative: Trundle wheels or pre-measured markers

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

A track and field event where athletes push a heavy metal ball from the shoulder

Javelin

A track and field throwing event using a spear-like implement

Discus

A track and field event involving throwing a heavy disc as far as possible

Stance

The position of your feet and body before beginning the throw

Release

The moment when you let go of the throwing implement

Weight Transfer

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

Consistent use of proper stance across all three disciplines

Visible rotation and weight transfer during throws

Accurate peer assessment and feedback

Progressive improvement in throwing distances

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

Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

How can we use proper throwing techniques to compete fairly and achieve our personal best?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

Print Access Required

Upgrade to unlock:

Start Planning Better PE Lessons

What's included