Lesson 4 - Push Throw Technique
Technical Mastery & Leadership
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use proper push technique to achieve maximum accuracy and power in our throws?
Learning Objectives
- Develop and refine the push throw technique for both one and two-handed throws
- Apply push throw technique accurately to hit specific targets at varying distances
- Understand the biomechanical principles behind effective push throwing for heavy objects
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct push throw technique with proper body positioning and arm extension
- Students will successfully hit targets using both one and two-handed push throws with improved accuracy
- Students will explain why push technique is more effective than overhead throwing for heavy objects like shot put
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in collection boxes around throwing area perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or lightweight shot puts if available
Positioned as 'desert islands' at varying distances from throwing line
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked targets on ground
Used to mark throwing segments, collection areas, and safety boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
For setting up accurate distances and measuring successful throws
Alternative: Marked ground measurements or pace counting
Clipboards with pencils for team scorekeepers
Alternative: Whiteboards, mental scoring, or student notebooks
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the object is pushed away from the body rather than thrown overhead, used for heavy objects
An athletics event where athletes throw a heavy metal ball as far as possible using push technique
The movement of body weight from back foot to front foot during throwing to generate power
The continuation of arm and finger movement after release to ensure maximum power and accuracy
The turning movement of the hips to transfer power from the legs through the core to the arms
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from previous years
- Understanding of target games and accuracy challenges
- Experience with different types of balls and equipment
- Basic knowledge of standing positions and weight transfer
Current Skills
- Push throw technique for heavy objects
- One and two-handed push throwing variations
- Target accuracy and distance control
- Understanding biomechanics of effective throwing
Next Steps
- Introduction to shot put with proper equipment
- Competitive throwing events and measurement
- Advanced throwing techniques including javelin and discus
- Training programmes and skill development planning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Push throw technique is fundamentally different from overhead throwing - emphasise pushing motion from chest
- Weight transfer from back foot to front foot is crucial for power generation in all throwing
- Finger positioning and follow-through directly affect accuracy and control of the throw
- One-handed technique requires sideways stance with opposite foot forward to throwing hand
- Safety protocols during collection phases prevent injuries and maintain lesson flow
- Progressive skill building from gentle partner passes to competitive target practice
- Positive coaching and encouragement enhance learning environment and peer relationships
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking push throw is the same as normal overhead throwing - address through clear demonstrations of differences
- Belief that throwing harder automatically means throwing further - emphasise technique over force
- Assumption that one-handed throwing is just like cricket or rounders - highlight the unique push motion and stance
- Thinking the ball should be held away from the body - demonstrate proper close body position for control
- Misunderstanding that arm strength alone creates power - teach importance of leg drive and weight transfer
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, hands-on learning with immediate practice, leadership roles to maintain engagement, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique breakdowns with extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling, step-by-step visual guides, patient repetition without pressure
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routine structure, visual sequence cards for technique steps, quiet space available if needed, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial setup, employ buddy system for safety, use tactile markers for throwing positions
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards available, use hand signals for game instructions, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated throwing options available, modified grip techniques for limited hand function, adjusted distances and targets, alternative lightweight equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating team scores, understanding angles and trajectories, data collection and analysis of accuracy rates
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, gravity effects on projectile paths, muscle groups and biomechanics, energy transfer from body to object
Geography
Compass directions for throwing, spatial relationships and mapping throwing areas, understanding of distance and scale
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when learning challenging techniques, leadership roles in coaching, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of throwing area for visibility of all students, move between teams during activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, stance, and throwing motion; monitor safety during collection phases; note students needing additional support
Intervention Points
Step in if students revert to overhead throwing, if safety protocols aren't followed, or if individuals become frustrated with technique
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, exaggerate key points like weight transfer, show common mistakes and corrections, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingers spread wide behind the ball!'
- •'Push from your chest, don't throw overhead!'
- •'Weight transfer - back foot to front foot!'
- •'Follow through with your fingers!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear space for throwing activities, preferably outdoor hard court or large hall
Surface Check
Flat, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause slips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are intact with no loose stitching or filling spillage
- •Ensure hoops are flat on ground with no raised edges
- •Confirm cones are visible and positioned safely away from throwing trajectories
- •Verify adequate supply of soft throwing objects (no hard balls initially)
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students during collection phases
- •Being hit by thrown objects due to poor spatial awareness
- •Muscle strain from poor throwing technique or inadequate warm-up
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between team throwing areas
- •Controlled collection system with 'all clear' signals
- •Progressive skill building from gentle to more powerful throws
- •Adequate spacing maintained throughout all activities
- •Use of soft objects (beanbags) before progressing to harder materials
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all throwing areas simultaneously
- •Monitor technique closely to prevent strain injuries
- •Watch collection phases carefully to prevent collisions
- •Identify students who may need additional technique support
Emergency Procedures
STOP signal immediately halts all throwing, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure area is safe before resuming