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Lesson 4 - Push Throw Technique

Technical Mastery & Leadership

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Year 5

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Athletics

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56 min

Big Question

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

Balls

4 per student (120 total)

Distributed in collection boxes around throwing area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or lightweight shot puts if available

Hoops

4 large hoops

Positioned as 'desert islands' at varying distances from throwing line

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked targets on ground

Cones

20 cones

Used to mark throwing segments, collection areas, and safety boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For setting up accurate distances and measuring successful throws

Alternative: Marked ground measurements or pace counting

Score Sheets

4 (one per team)

Clipboards with pencils for team scorekeepers

Alternative: Whiteboards, mental scoring, or student notebooks

Key Vocabulary

Push throw

A throwing technique where the object is pushed away from the body rather than thrown overhead, used for heavy objects

Shot put

An athletics event where athletes throw a heavy metal ball as far as possible using push technique

Weight transfer

The movement of body weight from back foot to front foot during throwing to generate power

Follow-through

The continuation of arm and finger movement after release to ensure maximum power and accuracy

Hip rotation

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

Consistent use of push technique without reverting to overhead throwing

Ability to hit targets from 3+ metres with 70% accuracy

Correct weight transfer and hip rotation during throwing motion

Can teach and correct technique in others

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