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Lesson 6 - Power and Distance Throwing

Whole-Body Technique

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to generate maximum power when throwing for distance?

Learning Objectives

To develop power and technique when throwing for distance
To understand how weight transfer creates throwing power
To explore five different throwing techniques and their effectiveness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved throwing distance through proper weight transfer
Students will execute five different throwing techniques with correct form
Students will understand the biomechanics of power generation in throwing

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

One ball per pair, distributed at each station

Alternative: Medicine balls, foam balls for safety

Dish Cones

Two cones per student for start line and distance marking

Alternative: Bean bags, rope markers

Measuring Tapes

One per station for accurate distance recording

Alternative: Metre sticks, marked ground measurements

League Signs

Clear technique instructions displayed at each station

Alternative: Laminated instruction cards

Key Vocabulary

Power

The combination of strength and speed to generate maximum force

Weight Transfer

Moving your body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw

Follow Through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball

Momentum

The force gained by moving body parts in sequence

Launch Angle

The angle at which the ball leaves your hands

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of safe throwing practices
Experience with measuring and recording distances

Current Skills

Weight transfer in throwing actions
Five specific throwing techniques for distance
Power generation through coordinated body movement

Next Steps

Application of throwing techniques in athletics events
Advanced biomechanics of throwing sports
Competition throwing with accurate measurement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent weight transfer from back to front foot

Coordinated use of legs, trunk and arms in throwing

Ability to select most effective technique for maximum distance

Key Teaching Points

Weight transfer from back foot to front foot is the foundation of all powerful throwing
Strength plus speed equals power - emphasise explosive movements rather than just effort
Honest measurement builds integrity - mark where ball first lands, not where it rolls
Different techniques suit different body types - encourage experimentation and personal discovery
Whole-body coordination generates more power than arm strength alone
Safety through clear commands and positioning is essential for throwing activities
Progressive skill building - technique first, then power development

Common Misconceptions

Throwing power comes only from arm strength - correct by emphasising legs and trunk as power source
Harder throwing always means further distance - teach that technique and timing create optimal power
All techniques should work equally for everyone - explain individual differences and strengths
Weight transfer means just stepping forward - clarify the loading and explosive release concept
The overhead heave is just throwing backward - explain the sophisticated coordination required

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use clear timing signals, provide regular movement breaks, assign leadership roles to channel energy positively

dyspraxia

Break down each technique into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use verbal cues to support movement coordination

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of station rotations, allow preview of all techniques, offer quiet space if overwhelmed by activity

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all techniques, assign sighted partner for measurement guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for throw/collect commands, written instruction cards at each station

physical disability

Adapt throwing positions for wheelchair users, use lighter equipment or reduce distances, focus on technique over distance

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances in metres, comparing and ordering distances, calculating improvements, understanding angles and trajectories

Science

Forces and motion, gravity and projectiles, biomechanics of human movement, energy transfer from potential to kinetic

Geography

Understanding distance measurements, cardinal directions for throwing, spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Perseverance when techniques are challenging, honesty in measuring distances, encouraging others during difficult learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location within circular station formation to observe all groups and maintain safety oversight

Observation Focus

Watch for weight transfer technique, measure partner positioning for safety, and engagement levels during rotations

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe throwing or measuring practices, provide technique reminders for struggling students, manage timing and transitions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques with exaggerated movements for visibility, emphasise weight transfer in every technique, use countdown for explosive movements

Verbal Cues

•'Lean back, drive forward!'
•'Power from your legs!'
•'Follow through with your hands!'
•'Back foot to front foot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 40m, or indoor sports hall with high ceiling

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for explosive movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones are soft-edged and brightly coloured
•Verify throwing zones are clearly marked and separated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to other students
•Collisions during station rotations
•Overexertion during explosive throwing movements
•Slips during weight transfer movements

Risk Mitigation

•Circular station formation with outward throws eliminates crossover
•Clear 'throw' and 'collect' commands prevent students in throwing zones
•Progressive warm-up prepares muscles for explosive movements
•Partner system ensures supervision and measurement safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Central position provides visibility of all five stations
•Monitor throwing zones during rotations for safety compliance
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury from poor form

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear space for emergency access if needed