Lesson 1 - Throwing for Accuracy vs Distance
Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How do different throwing techniques help us succeed in different sports and athletic events?
Learning Objectives
- To understand the difference between throwing for accuracy and throwing for distance
- To demonstrate correct throwing technique for both accuracy and distance
- To apply appropriate release timing and body positioning when throwing
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute accurate underarm throws with correct timing
- Students will throw for distance using correct overarm technique
- Students will understand when to apply different throwing techniques in sport
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in equipment bag for easy collection
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls
Set vertically 3 metres apart for accuracy stations
Alternative: Cones, targets, buckets
Placed at 5m intervals up to 25m for distance throwing
Alternative: Bibs, chalk lines
For setting up accurate distances
Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked ground
Clear throwing lines for safety
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
The ability to hit a specific target consistently
How far an object travels when thrown
The exact moment when you let go of the throwing object
Body position when preparing to throw
Continuing arm movement after releasing the object
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing from Years 3-5
- Understanding of target games
- Awareness of athletic events
Current Skills
- Accurate underarm throwing with correct stance
- Overarm throwing for distance with proper technique
- Understanding release timing and body positioning
Next Steps
- Javelin throwing technique
- Shot put fundamentals
- Advanced athletic throwing events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise the difference between accuracy and distance throwing techniques
- Ensure safety through clear commands and organised collection procedures
- Focus on correct stance and release timing rather than maximum power
- Encourage peer observation and positive feedback throughout
- Connect throwing techniques to real sports and athletic events
- Celebrate improvement and effort over absolute performance
- Maintain technique quality even during competitive activities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking more power always equals better throwing - correct with technique focus
- Believing accuracy and distance use the same technique - demonstrate clear differences
- Assuming early or late release doesn't matter - show trajectory effects
- Thinking facing forward is better than sideways stance - demonstrate power generation
- Believing only arm muscles are used in throwing - show whole body involvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified throwing technique breakdown, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured bean bags, audio cues for targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, adapted distances, modified equipment like larger targets
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances, calculating scores, recording data in competitions
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory physics, muscle groups in action
Geography
Understanding distances and measurements, spatial awareness in throwing
PSHE
Fair play in competition, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with view of all throwing areas, move between groups during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique, safety compliance, and individual progress
Intervention Points
Step in if technique becomes unsafe, if students not following commands, or if someone is struggling
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate throwing away from students, use exaggerated movements for clarity, repeat demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance!'
- •'Elbow up high!'
- •'Smooth release!'
- •'Follow through to target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Bean bags checked for tears or loose filling
- •Hoops stable and properly positioned
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Bean bags striking other students
- •Collisions during equipment collection
- •Overexertion during distance throwing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing commands and collection procedures
- •Designated throwing zones with safety boundaries
- •Organised rotation system preventing crowding
- •Emphasis on technique over maximum power
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing areas
- •Monitor compliance with safety commands
- •Watch for fatigue or overexertion signs
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if safety concerns, provide first aid if needed, report any injuries