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Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Foam Shot Put

8-12

Different weights available for differentiation

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls for safety

Foam Discus

8-12

Lightweight versions for safety in shared spaces

Alternative: Frisbees, paper plates for practice

Foam Javelins

8-12

Soft-tip implements only for school use

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes marked as javelins

Sun Markers

Placed at 5m intervals from 10m to 40m

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope markers

Team bibs

Four different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, house team colours

Measuring Tapes

50m tape minimum for accurate distance measurement

Alternative: Trundle wheel, pace counting for estimation

Score Sheets

Weatherproof sheets for outdoor use

Alternative: Clipboards with score cards, digital recording

Throwing Circle

1.5m diameter circles for throwing zones

Alternative: Hula hoops, chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

A track and field event where athletes push a heavy metal ball as far as possible from the shoulder

Discus

A throwing event using a heavy disc, requiring rotation and momentum for maximum distance

Javelin

A spear-throwing event requiring a run-up and overarm release for distance

Release Point

The optimal moment to let go of the implement for maximum distance and accuracy

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot to generate throwing power

Rotation

Turning the body to build momentum and power in shot put and discus

Follow Through

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

Consistent technique across all three disciplines

Measurable distance improvements through technical adjustments

Effective peer coaching using biomechanical knowledge

Strategic competition performance under pressure

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

Lesson 2 - Throwing Competitions

How can we combine technical throwing skills with competitive strategy to achieve maximum distance and accuracy?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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