Lesson 3 - Throwing at Moving Targets
Tactical Awareness Skills
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
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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
Soft, appropriately sized balls that are easy to grip
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners
For marking boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Various sizes for different difficulty levels
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball to where the person is moving to, not where they are now
Pretending to throw in one direction before throwing in another
Standing with one foot in front of the other for better throwing power
Continuing the arm movement after releasing the ball
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
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