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Lesson 3 - Throwing at Moving Targets

Tactical Awareness Skills

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Year 4

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we improve our accuracy when throwing at moving targets?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing accuracy at moving targets
To understand the principles of leading a target when throwing
To demonstrate fair play and honesty in competitive activities

Key Outcomes

Students will throw with increasing consistency to hit moving targets
Students will apply the technique of throwing ahead of moving targets
Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship and honesty during games

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

Soft, appropriately sized balls that are easy to grip

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

For marking boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Hoops

Various sizes for different difficulty levels

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Leading the target

Throwing the ball to where the person is moving to, not where they are now

Fake throw

Pretending to throw in one direction before throwing in another

Balanced stance

Standing with one foot in front of the other for better throwing power

Follow through

Continuing the arm movement after releasing the ball

Below shoulders rule

In dodgeball, hits only count if ball strikes below shoulder level

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing technique with stationary targets
Understanding of dodgeball rules and safety
Catching skills from previous lessons

Current Skills

Throwing at moving targets
Leading targets when throwing
Using deception in throwing (fake throws)

Next Steps

Advanced dodgeball tactics and team strategies
Throwing under pressure in competitive situations
Leadership roles in team games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hits moving targets from 3-5 metres

Demonstrates understanding of leading targets

Shows fair play and honesty throughout activities

Key Teaching Points

Always throw ahead of moving targets, not where they are now
Maintain balanced stance with opposite foot forward when throwing
Follow through by pointing hand toward target after release
Only hits below shoulder level count for safety reasons
Honesty and fair play are more important than winning
Use fake throws to deceive opponents in game situations
Observe movement patterns before throwing to improve accuracy

Common Misconceptions

Students often throw at where the target is rather than where it's going - emphasise leading the target
Many believe throwing harder equals better accuracy - focus on technique and timing instead
Some think admitting to being hit shows weakness - celebrate honesty as strength
Students may think fake throws are 'cheating' - explain they're legitimate tactics
Some believe moving targets are impossible to hit - build confidence through progressive practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundary markers, regular movement breaks between instructions

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time with teacher support

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable game structure, quiet practice time available, visual sequence cards for activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal warnings when balls are thrown, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for game starts/stops, written rule reminders, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Seated throwing options, modified targets at appropriate heights, adapted movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Prediction and angles - calculating where to throw based on movement speed and direction

Science

Forces and motion - understanding trajectory and momentum in throwing

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness - understanding movement patterns and positioning

PSHE

Honesty and integrity - demonstrating fair play even when no one is watching

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for leading technique development, fair play, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

["Step in if safety rules not followed", "Provide individual coaching for struggling students", "Address any dishonesty immediately", "Adjust activity difficulty based on success rates"]

Demonstration Notes

Use students as volunteers when possible, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, model excellent sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Throw where they're going!'
•'Hand points to the target!'
•'Honest champions!'
•'Warrior stance!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs appropriate for age group
•Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones positioned to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between moving students
•Trips over equipment
•Overexertion during games

Risk Mitigation

•Strict below-shoulders hitting rule enforced
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established
•Regular equipment safety checks
•Appropriate spacing between activities
•Gradual build-up of intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all throwing activities
•Monitor compliance with safety rules
•Watch for fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and honest participation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any injuries, follow school first aid procedures