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Lesson 1 - Throwing for Accuracy vs Distance

Athletic Throwing and Jumping: Whole-Body Power and Control

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Year 5

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Athletics

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Big Question

How do we adapt our throwing technique to achieve accuracy versus maximum distance?

Learning Objectives

To understand the difference between throwing for accuracy and throwing for distance
To develop underarm and overarm throwing techniques with correct body positioning
To apply timing and release point principles for different throwing purposes

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate underarm throwing to targets
Students will execute overarm throws for maximum distance using correct technique
Students will understand when and why to use different throwing techniques in athletics

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed in equipment bags for each group

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Hoops

9 hoops (3 sets of 3)

Set vertically equal distances apart for accuracy practice

Alternative: Large cones or markers for targets

Sun Markers

15 cones

Place at 10m intervals for distance throwing

Alternative: Painted lines on playground if permanent

Measuring Tapes

3 measuring tapes

For setting up accurate distances

Alternative: Pre-marked distances on playground

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below shoulder height, used for accuracy

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder, used for power and distance

Release point

The exact moment when the thrower lets go of the object during the throwing motion

Stance

The body position and foot placement when preparing to throw

Follow through

The continuation of arm movement after releasing the object

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing from Year 4
Understanding of safe equipment collection
Knowledge of athletic events from previous units

Current Skills

Accurate underarm throwing to targets
Overarm throwing technique with correct stance
Understanding release point timing

Next Steps

Advanced athletic throwing events (javelin, shot put)
Combining throwing with jumping in field events
Competitive athletics formats and scoring

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in target throwing

Improved distance with correct technique

Understanding of biomechanical principles

Key Teaching Points

Accuracy throwing uses underarm technique with smooth pendulum motion
Distance throwing requires sideways stance with high elbow position
Release point timing is critical for both accuracy and distance success
Different throwing techniques serve different sporting purposes
Safety procedures must be followed strictly during all throwing activities
Peer coaching develops both technical knowledge and social skills
Personal improvement is more important than comparison with others

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that throwing harder always means throwing further - technique is more important
Using the same technique for both accuracy and distance throwing
Believing that release point doesn't matter - timing is crucial for success
Assuming that athletic throwing is the same as playground throwing games
Not understanding that different sports require different throwing techniques

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and throwing areas, frequent movement between activities, specific roles during waiting times

dyspraxia

Additional technique practice time, simplified movement patterns, larger bean bags for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule cards, quiet space available, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Brightly coloured bean bags and markers, verbal descriptions of distances and targets, buddy support for orientation

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for throwing commands, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modified throwing techniques from seated position, shorter distances, larger targets, adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances, calculating scores, recording data, angle concepts in throwing trajectory

Science

Forces and motion, projectile motion, energy transfer from body to object

Geography

Direction and orientation, measuring distances, spatial awareness

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others' learning, resilience in challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position for demonstrations, safety oversight of throwing areas

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stance, release point timing, safety procedure compliance, peer coaching quality

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe throwing, technique correction, group management issues, equipment setup problems

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate techniques slowly with clear pause points, show common mistakes and corrections, use students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Smooth like a pendulum' for underarm throws
•'Elbow high, over the top' for distance throws
•'Release past your head' for distance timing
•'Point and release' for accuracy throws

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for safe distance throwing

Surface Check

Flat, even surface free from holes or obstacles, dry conditions preferred

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Bean bags checked for secure stitching
•Hoops stable and not cracked
•Distance markers clearly visible and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bean bags hitting other students during throwing
•Collisions during equipment collection
•Overexertion leading to muscle strain

Risk Mitigation

•Strict command system for throwing and collecting
•Clear throwing lanes with adequate spacing
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
•Safe throwing direction away from other activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing areas
•Monitor equipment collection procedures
•Watch for students following safety commands

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, first aid qualified staff present, clear evacuation routes maintained