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Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence

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Year 5

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use proper throwing techniques to maximise distance and power in athletic competitions?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate correct technique for shot put, discus, and javelin throwing
To understand how body rotation and weight transfer increase throwing distance
To compete fairly whilst supporting teammates in athletic competitions

Key Outcomes

Students will execute proper throwing techniques for three athletic disciplines
Students will apply tactical knowledge to maximise throwing performance
Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship whilst competing in team events

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Javelins

8-10

Distribute equally across throwing zones

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes, or plastic javelins

Foam Shot Put

8-10

Keep at shot put stations with safety instructions

Alternative: Bean bags, soft weighted balls, or medicine balls

Foam Discus

8-10

Store safely away from other activities when not in use

Alternative: Flying discs, foam frisbees, or rubber quoits

Sun Markers

Place at 10m intervals up to 40-50m for each zone

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines, or rope

Measuring Tapes

One per throwing zone for official measurements

Alternative: Trundle wheels or pre-marked ground

Clipboards

Waterproof sheets with team names and scoring grid

Alternative: Whiteboard and markers for each zone

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

Athletic throwing event where athletes push (not throw) a heavy metal ball from the shoulder

Discus

Athletic throwing event where athletes spin and release a heavy disc for maximum distance

Javelin

Athletic throwing event where athletes throw a long spear-like implement using a run-up

Release Point

The exact moment and angle when the throwing implement leaves the athlete's hand

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throwing motion

Rotation

Turning the body to generate power, particularly important in shot put and discus

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of competition rules and scoring
Experience with peer evaluation and feedback

Current Skills

Shot put push technique with rotation
Discus throwing with spin and release timing
Javelin throwing with run-up and extension
Competition organisation and scoring

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques and training methods
Athletic competition preparation and strategy
Leadership roles in organising school sports events

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technique across all three throwing disciplines

Ability to increase distance through improved technique

Effective coaching and evaluation of peers

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise technique over distance throughout - good technique leads to better results
Maintain clear safety protocols with foam implements and designated throwing zones
Foster positive competition focusing on personal improvement and team support
Use peer coaching opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills
Differentiate techniques based on individual student needs and abilities
Connect throwing techniques to real athletic events and sporting applications
Celebrate effort and improvement alongside competitive success

Common Misconceptions

Shot put is thrown like other implements - correct by emphasising the pushing action from the shoulder
Distance is more important than technique - reinforce that good technique produces better distance
Only the strongest students will succeed - show how technique can overcome strength disadvantages
Competition means winning at any cost - emphasise sportsmanship and personal improvement
All throwing events use the same technique - highlight the specific techniques for each event
Practice doesn't matter in competition - demonstrate how practice improves performance under pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear movement expectations, specific roles and responsibilities, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Simplified technique instructions, extra practice time, larger/lighter implements, peer buddy support, break down complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of rotations, quiet zones available, consistent safety rules, predictable competition format

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured implements, clear verbal instructions for distances, buddy system for safety guidance, tactile distance markers

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for safety and encouragement, visual scoring displays

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, lighter implements, shorter distances, modified techniques suitable for different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores, measuring distances, creating graphs of throwing results, understanding angles and trajectories

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, body mechanics and leverage, projectile motion principles

Geography

Olympic Games locations, athletics around the world, measuring distances using different units

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, supporting others, goal setting and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between throwing zones to observe technique and ensure safety, positioning to see all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing techniques, safe handling of implements, positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique coaching during practice phases, mediate any team conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex techniques, exaggerate key movement points for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Push don't throw for shot put!'
•'Spin your body for discus power!'
•'Plant and throw for javelin!'
•'Technique first, distance follows!'
•'Great teamwork, keep encouraging each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 60m x 40m with clear safety zones for each throwing discipline

Surface Check

Flat, dry grass or athletic surface free from holes, stones or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Foam implements only - no metal or hard materials
•Regular equipment checks for damage or wear
•Proper storage when not in use to prevent accidents
•Sufficient quantity to avoid sharing during throws

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Implements striking other students
•Collisions during throwing motions
•Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones with no students downrange during throws
•Adequate spacing between throwing areas (minimum 10m separation)
•Comprehensive warm-up focusing on throwing muscles
•Clear safety commands and stop signals established
•Foam implements only to reduce injury risk
•Proper supervision ratios maintained throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all throwing zones
•Move between zones to monitor technique and safety
•Maintain clear communication with all groups
•Have clear emergency procedures ready

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school leadership

Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

How can we use proper throwing techniques to maximise distance and power in athletic competitions?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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