Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions
Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we combine technical throwing skills with competitive strategy to achieve maximum distance and accuracy?
Learning Objectives
- To demonstrate correct technique in shot put, discus, and javelin throwing events
- To apply strategic thinking in competitive throwing situations
- To evaluate and improve throwing performance through peer assessment
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute all three throwing disciplines with improved technique
- Students will understand the biomechanics of rotation and weight transfer in throwing
- Students will demonstrate sportsmanship and tactical awareness in competition
Equipment & Resources Required
Different weights available for differentiation
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls for safety
Lightweight versions for safety in shared spaces
Alternative: Frisbees, paper plates for practice
Soft-tip implements only for school use
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes marked as javelins
Placed at 5m intervals from 10m to 40m
Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope markers
Four different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, house team colours
50m tape minimum for accurate distance measurement
Alternative: Trundle wheel, pace counting for estimation
Weatherproof sheets for outdoor use
Alternative: Clipboards with score cards, digital recording
1.5m diameter circles for throwing zones
Alternative: Hula hoops, chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A track and field event where athletes push a heavy metal ball as far as possible from the shoulder
A throwing event using a heavy disc, requiring rotation and momentum for maximum distance
A spear-throwing event requiring a run-up and overarm release for distance
The optimal moment to let go of the implement for maximum distance and accuracy
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot to generate throwing power
Turning the body to build momentum and power in shot put and discus
The continuation of movement after release to maintain balance and direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing technique
- Understanding of power generation through body movement
- Experience with target throwing activities
- Knowledge of athletic throwing events
Current Skills
- Shot put technique with rotation and leg drive
- Discus throwing with full body coordination
- Javelin throwing with run-up and release timing
- Competitive strategy and tactical awareness
Next Steps
- Advanced technical refinement in specialist events
- Training periodisation and performance analysis
- Official competition rules and judging
- Cross-event athletic development
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot put is a pushing motion from the shoulder, not an overhead throw
- Weight transfer from back foot to front foot generates power in all throwing events
- Rotation in discus and shot put must be controlled to maintain balance and accuracy
- Javelin approach should build speed gradually with the arm staying back until release
- Release timing is critical - too early or late significantly reduces distance
- Competition technique should focus on consistency over maximum effort
- Team support and coaching improve individual performance and group success
Common Misconceptions
- Believing shot put should be thrown overhead like a ball - correct with pushing demonstration
- Thinking spinning faster always means throwing farther - emphasise control over speed
- Assuming strength alone determines throwing distance - highlight technique importance
- Expecting immediate distance improvement - explain skill development takes practice
- Believing only the strongest students can succeed - demonstrate technique beats power
- Thinking individual performance is more important than team support - emphasise collaborative success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes through rotations, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback and recognition, movement breaks built into structure
dyspraxia
- Simplified throwing techniques, larger/lighter implements, extra practice time, step-by-step technique cards, partner support system
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of rotations, quiet zones available, predictable competition format with advance preparation
visual impairment
- Tactile markers for throwing boundaries, audio descriptions of technique, partner guidance system, brightly coloured foam implements
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration emphasis, written instruction cards, clear hand signals for competition timing, visual scoring systems
physical disability
- Modified throwing positions (seated/supported), lighter implements available, reduced throwing distances, alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Distance measurement, data collection and analysis, percentages for improvement tracking, geometric angles in release trajectory
Science
Forces and motion, momentum and energy transfer, biomechanics of rotation, physics of projectile motion
Geography
Compass directions for throwing orientation, measurement scales, mapping throwing areas and distances
PSHE
Competition resilience, team cooperation, celebrating individual differences, goal-setting and perseverance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between all four throwing stations, spending equal time at each during rotations
Observation Focus
Monitor technique application, competitive behaviour, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, poor sportsmanship, or significant technique errors
Demonstration Notes
Use foam implements for all demonstrations, exaggerate technique points for visibility, show both successful technique and common errors
Verbal Cues
- •'Drive with your legs!'
- •'Rotate from your hips!'
- •'Release high and forward!'
- •'Great technique focus!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor space minimum 60m x 40m, or indoor hall with 30m clear throwing distance
Surface Check
Level, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Foam implements only - no metal or hard materials
- •Regular inspection of equipment for damage or wear
- •Adequate quantity to avoid sharing disputes during competition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Implement strikes to other students
- •Collision during approach runs
- •Muscle strain from explosive throwing movements
- •Slips during rotation movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established and maintained
- •All spectators positioned behind throwing lines
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols followed
- •Immediate retrieval of thrown implements
- •Adequate spacing between throwing stations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all four throwing stations
- •Active supervision during approach runs and releases
- •Monitor for fatigue and technique breakdown
- •Immediate intervention for unsafe behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required