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Lesson 2 - Throwing Towards a Target

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 throwing accuracy to become more effective in target games?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing towards a target with increasing accuracy and consistency
To understand tactical targeting in dodgeball gameplay
To demonstrate honesty and fair play in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will throw with increasing accuracy and consistency at stationary targets
Students will apply targeting strategies in game situations
Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship and honest play

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

For target practice in cross-the-line activity

Alternative: Large foam ball, medicine ball

Cones

60 (minimum)

Used for targets, boundaries, and scoring system

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, skittles

Dodgeball

Soft balls essential for safety in dodgeball games

Alternative: Foam balls, soft volleyballs, bean bags

Sun Markers

4 sets

To mark team areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Target

An object or area you are aiming to hit with a thrown ball

Accuracy

How close your throw comes to where you were aiming

Consistency

Being able to repeat good throwing technique over and over

Dead Zone

The neutral area in the middle of a dodgeball court where balls are placed

End Zone

Each team's home area in dodgeball where they start and collect cones

Fair Play

Playing honestly and following rules even when no one is watching

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Basic spatial awareness and movement

Current Skills

Accurate throwing towards targets
Strategic targeting in game situations
Honest play and sportsmanship

Next Steps

Advanced dodgeball tactics and strategies
Throwing while moving
Leadership and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy hitting targets from 4-6 metres

Strategic thinking about where to aim

Self-regulation and honest play

Key Teaching Points

One-handed throwing technique with follow-through pointing at target
Strategic targeting of legs and feet in dodgeball for tactical advantage
Honest self-regulation and calling yourself out when hit fairly
Cooperative turn-taking and supporting teammates in game situations
Progressive challenge through increasing distances while maintaining accuracy
Understanding that accuracy is more important than power in target games
Application of technique learned in practice to competitive game situations

Common Misconceptions

Power is more important than accuracy - emphasise technique over force
Players should aim for the head or chest - reinforce below-shoulder, low targeting
It's okay to cheat if you don't get caught - promote intrinsic motivation for honesty
Only throwing hard will be effective - demonstrate that controlled throws are more accurate
Individual success is most important - emphasise team cooperation and collective success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, give specific roles in teams

dyspraxia

Use larger targets initially, provide extra practice time, offer hand-over-hand support for technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines for game changes, offer quiet area if overwhelmed, use visual schedule

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all instructions clearly, position for lip reading

physical disability

Modify throwing distance, allow seated throwing, use larger/lighter balls as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and cones, measuring distances in metres, calculating team totals

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and accuracy, understanding of impact and momentum

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories

PSHE

Honesty and integrity, cooperation and teamwork, handling competition and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around courts during games for maximum visibility, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, honest play, and positive team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if targeting goes above shoulders, if honesty breaks down, or if overcompetitive behaviour emerges

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show correct technique, always demonstrate safe play, model positive sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Point where you want it to go!'
•'Aim low for best effect!'
•'Great honest play there!'
•'Take turns with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 30m with additional space for multiple courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, dry conditions for outdoor use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs only - no hard balls
•Check balls are not over-inflated
•Cones have rounded edges and stable base
•Basketball properly inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions during ball collection
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Overcompetitive behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise below-shoulder targeting only
•Clear court boundaries and safe collection procedures
•Warm-up adequately before game activities
•Promote honest play and sportsmanship throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor throwing technique and targeting
•Watch for signs of overcompetitive behaviour
•Ensure equipment collection is orderly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, apply appropriate first aid, clear safe passage for support if needed