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Lesson 4 - Catching & Throwing Skills

Fitness Challenge Awareness

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Year 4

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our hands, eyes and feet together to become better at catching and throwing?

Learning Objectives

To complete actions to develop hand-eye coordination
To demonstrate throwing and catching skills with increasing accuracy
To work cooperatively with partners to improve coordination

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to throw two balls simultaneously with control
Students will move purposefully to catch a tennis ball after one bounce
Students will demonstrate improved coordination through progressive challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Store in central basket for easy distribution

Alternative: Bean bags, small foam balls, juggling balls

Cones

Various sizes for different marking purposes

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk lines

Balls

10 (optional)

For differentiation and support activities

Alternative: Larger foam balls, volleyballs

Key Vocabulary

Coordination

The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Hand-eye coordination

The ability to track objects with eyes and respond accurately with hands

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, ready to move

Underarm throw

Throwing technique with arm moving forward in an underhand motion

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes throughout its movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with two hands
Understanding of ready position and balance
Experience with ball and wall coordination challenges

Current Skills

Simultaneous two-ball throwing
Moving to catch balls after bounces
Hand-eye coordination under time pressure

Next Steps

Advanced catching techniques with smaller targets
Multi-directional movement while maintaining ball control
Coordination activities with multiple objects

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate above 70%

Smooth coordination between throwing and catching movements

Ability to self-correct technique during activities

Key Teaching Points

Maintain ready position throughout all activities - feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent
Always track the ball with your eyes from release to catch
Check partner is ready before throwing - eye contact and hands visible
Use smooth, controlled movements rather than rushed actions
Encourage fair play and honest self-management during games
Adapt throwing force based on distance and partner's ability
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just successful catches

Common Misconceptions

Thinking coordination is just about throwing hard - emphasise control and accuracy
Believing you can't improve coordination - stress that it develops with practice
Focusing only on hands during catching - highlight importance of foot positioning and body balance
Rushing movements for speed - teach that smooth, controlled actions are more effective
Giving up after mistakes - explain that errors are part of learning process

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step verbal guidance

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairing

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of ball flight, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated catching activities, larger balls, modified throwing distances, alternative equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for movement, communication skills

Maths

Counting successful catches, measuring distances, understanding spatial relationships and angles

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on bouncing balls, reaction times

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, dealing with success and failure, encouraging others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during warm-up, move between pairs/groups during activities for individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, ball tracking, throwing technique, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe throwing, poor sportsmanship, or students struggling with basic techniques

Demonstration Notes

Use teaching assistant or confident student for partner work demonstrations, exaggerate key techniques for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - feet apart, knees bent!'
•'Track the ball with your eyes!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Check your partner is ready!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running and sudden direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no cracks
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify adequate equipment quantity to avoid sharing conflicts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
•Emphasise controlled movements over speed
•Teach safe catching technique with hands ready
•Monitor competitive spirit to prevent unsafe behaviour
•Ensure adequate spacing between activity areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Move between activities to monitor technique and safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal for immediate activity cessation, first aid procedures for minor injuries, clear evacuation routes identified