Lesson 1 - Throwing for Accuracy vs Distance
Athletic Throwing and Jumping: Whole-Body Power and Control
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Pre-distributed in equipment bags for each group
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
Set vertically equal distances apart for accuracy practice
Alternative: Large cones or markers for targets
Place at 10m intervals for distance throwing
Alternative: Painted lines on playground if permanent
For setting up accurate distances
Alternative: Pre-marked distances on playground
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below shoulder height, used for accuracy
A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder, used for power and distance
The exact moment when the thrower lets go of the object during the throwing motion
The body position and foot placement when preparing to throw
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
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