Lesson 3 - Throwing Skills
Team Performance Skills
•Year 4
•Rounders
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How can accurate throwing and clear communication help our team succeed in rounders?
Learning Objectives
- Develop throwing accuracy and technique using both overarm and underarm throws
- Understand and apply basic rounders rules including 'no ball' and fielding positions
- Communicate effectively with teammates during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy at different distances
- Students will show understanding of rounders rules and accept umpire decisions
- Students will work cooperatively as a team using clear communication
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute balls to each group station
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls
Mark bases, boundaries, and throwing stations
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Use as targets for throwing practice
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Position 8 metres from throwing line
Alternative: Cones arranged in triangle
For underarm throwing practice
Alternative: Small balls or foam balls
Key Vocabulary
An illegal delivery in rounders that doesn't count and gives the batting team an advantage
The fielder positioned behind the batting area who catches missed balls and makes rule decisions
A throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder for power and distance
A bowling technique where the arm swings below the waist for accuracy
The four positions that runners must reach in order around the rounders field
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of taking turns and following rules
- Experience working in small groups
Current Skills
- Accurate throwing using correct technique
- Understanding rounders rules and positions
- Effective team communication during play
Next Steps
- Tactical batting decisions and placement
- Advanced fielding strategies and positioning
- Leadership roles in competitive rounders games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise opposite foot forward for all throwing techniques
- Model and expect excellent sportsmanship throughout
- Connect throwing skills to real game situations
- Encourage strategic thinking about when to run bases
- Celebrate both skill development and positive attitudes
- Use self-assessment to build metacognitive awareness
- Ensure all students experience success at their level
Common Misconceptions
- Same foot forward as throwing arm - correct with 'opposite foot forward' cue
- Always running regardless of situation - teach strategic decision-making
- Throwing too hard in dodgeball - emphasise control and safety
- Rules are fixed and cannot be adapted - explain how rules help fair play
- Only fast runners can succeed - highlight throwing accuracy and tactical thinking
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement expectations, regular positive feedback, fidget tools during discussions
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual cues for technique, larger equipment options
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual timetable of activities, quiet zones available, sensory breaks as needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for bases
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapted throwing distances and techniques, seated throwing options, larger targets, modified equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with sporting terms, communication skills, explaining rules and tactics to others
Maths
Calculating scores and runs, understanding odd and even numbers, measuring distances for throwing accuracy, timing rotations
Science
Forces and motion in throwing techniques, understanding trajectory and accuracy, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions fairly, building resilience through challenge, developing leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing visual access to all activities, move between groups during station work
Observation Focus
Technical skill development, rule understanding, teamwork and communication, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, support struggling students, resolve rule disputes, encourage positive interactions
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate throwing techniques clearly, show rule applications in context, model good sportsmanship and communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Eyes on target!'
- •'Call for the ball!'
- •'Great decision-making!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground area minimum 25m x 20m with additional space for throwing practice
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for running and stopping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders bats for damage or splinters
- •Ensure balls are appropriate size and hardness
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges
- •Check hoops are intact and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to players
- •Collisions during running
- •Trips over equipment or bases
- •Bat-related injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established and maintained
- •Safe bat handling procedures taught and enforced
- •Adequate spacing between groups and activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor throwing stations for safe technique
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure fair play and good sportsmanship
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal understood by all, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified