Lesson 6 - Throwing for Distance and Power
Technique & Teamwork Focus
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to create maximum power when throwing for distance?
Learning Objectives
- To develop throwing technique using weight transfer from back to front leg
- To understand how body position affects throwing power and distance
- To apply shot put technique with consistent high release point
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective weight transfer in throwing actions
- Students will achieve greater throwing distances through improved technique
- Students will understand the biomechanics of powerful throwing
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for distance markers and safety boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines for distance marking
One per pair for throwing practice
Alternative: Tennis balls, beanbags, or medicine balls
Used for initial weight transfer practice
Alternative: Soft play balls or foam balls
Displayed for reference during skill teaching
Alternative: Technique poster or demonstration video
Key Vocabulary
Moving body weight from back leg to front leg during the throwing action
A throwing event using a heavy ball pushed from the shoulder
The moment and position where the implement leaves the hand
The continued movement after releasing the implement
Creating maximum force through coordinated body movement
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing technique
- Understanding of accuracy in throwing
- Ability to follow safety instructions in athletics
Current Skills
- Weight transfer in throwing actions
- Shot put grip and stance technique
- High release point execution
- Power generation through body mechanics
Next Steps
- Advanced shot put footwork and rhythm
- Javelin throwing technique introduction
- Competition throwing under pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Weight transfer is the foundation of powerful throwing - emphasise back leg to front leg movement
- Sideways stance maximises potential for hip and shoulder rotation during throw
- High release point creates optimal trajectory for maximum distance
- Shot put is pushing action from shoulder, not traditional throwing motion
- Chin-knee-toe alignment creates strongest power position
- Technique consistency is more important than maximum effort initially
- Team encouragement significantly impacts individual performance
Common Misconceptions
- That arm strength alone determines throwing distance - emphasise whole body coordination
- That shot put is thrown like a ball - stress the pushing action from shoulder position
- That facing the target is best - demonstrate why sideways stance provides more power
- That higher is always better - explain optimal release angle for distance
- That individual effort is all that matters - highlight impact of team support on performance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, frequent technique checks, movement between different activities, clear boundaries
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, larger targets, step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual technique cards, quiet practice space available, predictable command system
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured shot puts and cones, provide verbal descriptions of technique, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for throwing commands, written technique cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, lighter implements, adapted grip techniques, modified distance expectations
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, energy transfer from potential to kinetic, biomechanics of human movement
Geography
Understanding direction and spatial awareness, mapping throwing distances, compass directions for throwing areas
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, supporting others, dealing with competition pressure, building resilience through practice
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at side of throwing area for maximum visibility of all students while maintaining safety
Observation Focus
Watch for weight transfer, high release point, safe spacing between students, and team encouragement
Intervention Points
Step in if students throwing without permission, poor technique causing safety concerns, or lack of team support
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, break down complex movements into phases, show both correct and incorrect examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance!'
- •'Back leg bend!'
- •'Push it high!'
- •'Weight transfer - back to front!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall with high ceiling
Surface Check
Level grass or suitable indoor surface, free from holes or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check shot puts are age-appropriate weight (600g-1.5kg max)
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Shot put strikes to other students
- •Collisions during throwing activities
- •Slips on wet grass surfaces
- •Overexertion during explosive movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict command system for throwing and collecting
- •Minimum 3m spacing between pairs maintained
- •All throwing in same direction with clear collection protocol
- •Appropriate warm-up for explosive movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during throwing
- •Monitor technique to prevent injury from poor form
- •Enforce safety commands consistently
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required