Lesson 1 - Overarm Throwing and Game Tactics
Game Intelligence Training
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use powerful, accurate throwing to outplay our opponents in team games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing technique with power and accuracy
- To understand tactical decisions in attack and defence
- To work effectively alongside and against others in team situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique
- Students will make appropriate tactical decisions during gameplay
- Students will show effective teamwork and sportsmanship
Equipment & Resources Required
Place along centre line before each game
Alternative: Soft sponge balls, bean bags for lower ability
Mark court boundaries and centre line clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Clearly distinguish teams
Alternative: Different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a windmill motion
Being removed from the game when hit by the ball or breaking rules
Planned actions and strategies to outplay opponents
The ability to hit your intended target consistently
Protecting yourself and teammates from being eliminated
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from Year 3
- Understanding of simple team games
- Basic throwing and catching techniques
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique
- Game tactics and spatial awareness
- Teamwork in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing variations
- Complex game strategies
- Leadership roles in team games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing technique with step forward and low trajectory
- Tactical awareness of when to attack and when to defend
- Teamwork and communication during competitive activities
- Safety through below-waist throwing rule
- Honesty and fair play in self-officiating situations
- Building confidence through progressive skill development
- Connecting technique practice to game application
Common Misconceptions
- High throws are more powerful - correct with low trajectory emphasis
- Throwing hard is always better - emphasise accuracy over power
- Individual play wins games - stress teamwork importance
- Rules don't matter in practice - maintain standards throughout
- Only athletic students can succeed - highlight different types of success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger targets initially, simplified technique focus, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable game structure, visual rule cards, quiet zones available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for game start/stop, clear hand gestures for rules, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Modified throwing distances, seated throwing variations, alternative elimination rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, sports vocabulary, tactical discussions
Maths
Trajectory angles, distance estimation, scoring and points calculation
Science
Forces and motion, gravity effects on projectiles, reaction times
PSHE
Teamwork, honesty in sport, dealing with competition, supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing visibility of all courts, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Throwing technique development, tactical understanding, teamwork quality
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing too high, over-competitive behaviour, or rule confusion
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, highlight good examples from students, maintain enthusiasm throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and throw down!'
- •'Low throws are harder to catch!'
- •'Work as a team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m per court
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft foam balls only - check for damage
- •Cones stable and visible
- •No hard or dangerous throwing objects
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to head/face
- •Collisions during game play
- •Slips during quick movements
- •Over-competitive behaviour
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce below-waist throwing rule strictly
- •Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
- •Soft foam balls reduce impact injury
- •Active supervision and rule enforcement
- •Emphasise fair play and honesty
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts
- •Monitor throwing height constantly
- •Watch for signs of over-competitiveness
- •Ensure inclusive participation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess need for first aid, contact school medical officer if required