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Lesson 1 - Pull Throw Technique and Accuracy

Power, Precision & Performance

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Year 5

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Athletics

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50 min

Big Question

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

Foam Javelins

15-20 (1 per 2 students)

Store in equipment bag at throwing area, check for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

20-30

Create clear throwing line and safety boundaries 15m apart

Alternative: Rope or chalk lines for boundaries

Spots

30 (for warm-up)

Place 15m away from two parallel lines for warm-up activity

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or marked areas on ground

Benches

4-6 pieces

Arrange at varying heights 10-20m from throwing line for target practice

Alternative: Cones, hoops on stands, or boxes

Game Balls

20-25

Place on benches, chairs, and floor cones for 'Angry Birds' game

Alternative: Bean bags, soft toys, or coloured objects

Measuring Tapes

For measuring throwing distances and setting up safe zones

Alternative: Pre-marked distances on ground

Key Vocabulary

Pull throw

A throwing technique where the arm is pulled through with elbow leading to generate power

Sideways-on

Standing with your throwing shoulder pointing towards the target, non-throwing side facing forward

Weight transfer

Moving your body weight from your back foot to your front foot during the throw

Run-up approach

Taking steps before throwing to build momentum and power

Release point

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

Consistent sideways-on positioning before throwing

Smooth weight transfer from back foot to front foot

Controlled run-up without loss of technique

Hitting targets accurately at least 6 out of 10 attempts

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