Lesson 1 - Pull Throw Technique and Accuracy
Power, Precision & Performance
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw with maximum accuracy and power?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the pull throw technique using correct body positioning and arm action
- To improve throwing accuracy by understanding how to aim at targets at different heights and distances
- To demonstrate safe throwing practices and effective group work during athletics activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to perform a one-handed pull throw with correct sideways-on positioning
- Students will successfully throw with a three-stride run-up approach maintaining technique
- Students will demonstrate accurate targeting skills when throwing at objects at various heights and distances
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in equipment bag at throwing area, check for damage before use
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, foam balls for indoor use
Create clear throwing line and safety boundaries 15m apart
Alternative: Rope or chalk lines for boundaries
Place 15m away from two parallel lines for warm-up activity
Alternative: Cones, hoops, or marked areas on ground
Arrange at varying heights 10-20m from throwing line for target practice
Alternative: Cones, hoops on stands, or boxes
Place on benches, chairs, and floor cones for 'Angry Birds' game
Alternative: Bean bags, soft toys, or coloured objects
For measuring throwing distances and setting up safe zones
Alternative: Pre-marked distances on ground
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm is pulled through with elbow leading to generate power
Standing with your throwing shoulder pointing towards the target, non-throwing side facing forward
Moving your body weight from your back foot to your front foot during the throw
Taking steps before throwing to build momentum and power
The exact moment when you let go of the throwing implement for best accuracy
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing action from Year 4
- Understanding of personal space and safety around equipment
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Pull throw technique with sideways-on positioning
- Three-stride run-up approach for throwing
- Accuracy throwing at targets at different heights
- Safe group throwing routines and procedures
Next Steps
- Javelin throwing with longer run-up approaches
- Advanced target games requiring precise throwing angles
- Athletics throwing competitions and measurement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways-on body position is crucial for power and accuracy in pull throw technique
- Elbow-first pulling action generates more power than pushing movements
- Weight transfer from back foot to front foot provides whole-body power
- Three-stride run-up should enhance, not compromise, throwing technique
- Non-throwing arm acts as a pointer to improve accuracy
- Safe group throwing requires clear signals and disciplined equipment collection
- Target games develop accuracy better than distance throwing for this age group
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that throwing harder always means throwing further - technique is more important than force
- Believing that facing the target square-on gives better accuracy - sideways-on position is more powerful
- Assuming run-up speed is more important than controlled technique - rhythm beats speed
- Focusing only on arm action and forgetting leg and body power contribution
- Not understanding that the non-throwing arm helps with balance and aiming
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Break technique into smaller steps, additional practice time for coordination, larger targets for confidence building
autism spectrum
- Clear structured routines for throwing and collecting, quiet space available if overwhelmed, visual sequence cards for technique
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured implements and targets, provide audio cues for throwing signals, buddy system for equipment collection
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of technique, visual signals for throwing and collecting, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted implements for different grip abilities, seated throwing variations, reduced throwing distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development of athletics terms, verbal feedback and coaching language, following complex instructions
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating angles for different targets, scoring systems and data collection
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, energy transfer from body to implement
Geography
Countries and capitals knowledge in warm-up, understanding global athletics competitions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all students throwing, typically at corner of throwing area for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for consistent sideways-on position, safe throwing distances, and cooperative behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in if students abandon technique for power, if safety protocols are ignored, or if equipment is used inappropriately
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from side view for clear technique visibility, use slow-motion for complex movements, repeat key positions multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways-on like an archer!'
- •'Elbow leads the pull!'
- •'Weight from back foot to front!'
- •'Aim with your non-throwing arm!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area with additional 10m safety zone behind targets
Surface Check
Level grass or playground surface, free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check foam javelins for splits or damage before use
- •Ensure target objects are securely placed and won't fall
- •Verify benches and chairs are stable and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Implements hitting other students
- •Collisions during run-up approaches
- •Equipment falling from height during target games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing area with marked boundaries
- •All students throw and collect on signal only
- •Left and right-handed throwers separated
- •Observers positioned safely to side of throwing area
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwers
- •Monitor throwing technique for dangerous actions
- •Ensure equipment collection protocols are followed
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess injury, apply first aid as needed, clear other students from area