Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions
Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute equally across throwing zones
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes, or plastic javelins
Keep at shot put stations with safety instructions
Alternative: Bean bags, soft weighted balls, or medicine balls
Store safely away from other activities when not in use
Alternative: Flying discs, foam frisbees, or rubber quoits
Place at 10m intervals up to 40-50m for each zone
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines, or rope
One per throwing zone for official measurements
Alternative: Trundle wheels or pre-marked ground
Waterproof sheets with team names and scoring grid
Alternative: Whiteboard and markers for each zone
Key Vocabulary
Athletic throwing event where athletes push (not throw) a heavy metal ball from the shoulder
Athletic throwing event where athletes spin and release a heavy disc for maximum distance
Athletic throwing event where athletes throw a long spear-like implement using a run-up
The exact moment and angle when the throwing implement leaves the athlete's hand
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throwing motion
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
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