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Lesson 2 - Pull Throw Technique and Accuracy

Olympic Technique Mastery

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Year 6

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to create power and accuracy when throwing for distance?

Learning Objectives

To develop the pull technique for overarm throwing with power and accuracy
To understand and apply the principles of safe group throwing
To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during throwing activities

Key Outcomes

Students will perform the pull throw with sideways-on body position and coordinated arm action
Students will throw safely in groups, following established routines and safety protocols
Students will work cooperatively with partners, providing feedback and encouragement

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Javelins

15-20 (enough for half class)

Store safely to one side of throwing area, check for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, or foam balls if javelins unavailable

Cones

30-40

Place 15m from throwing line for warm-up, various distances for targets

Alternative: Bean bags or marker discs

Benches

4-6

Position at varying distances from throwing line for target practice

Alternative: Low boxes or gym equipment

Chairs

4-6

Create different height targets for accuracy practice

Alternative: Tall cones or posts

Game Balls

20-30 (assorted colours)

Place on benches, chairs, and ground to create scoring targets

Alternative: Bean bags, cones, or plastic cups

Measuring Tapes

For measuring throwing distances and setting up safe zones

Alternative: Pre-marked cones for distance measurement

Key Vocabulary

Pull throw

An overarm throwing technique where the arm is pulled through with elbow leading

Sideways-on position

Body positioned at 90 degrees to the direction of throw with opposite foot forward

Run-up

A controlled approach to build momentum before throwing

Release point

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

Non-throwing arm

The opposite arm used for balance and direction guidance

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of safety in athletics activities
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Pull throwing technique with sideways-on position
Coordinated run-up and throw combination
Group throwing safety protocols

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques for distance
Competitive throwing activities
Analysis and improvement of throwing performance

Milestone Indicators

Consistent sideways-on body position

Smooth coordination of run-up and throw

Safe and responsible group behaviour

Key Teaching Points

Sideways-on body position is fundamental to effective pull throwing
Elbow must lead the pulling action with palm facing upward
Non-throwing arm provides balance and directional guidance
Group safety protocols must be followed consistently throughout
Run-up should enhance rather than compromise throwing technique
Release point experimentation helps students understand trajectory control
Cooperation and communication are essential for safe athletics practice

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that throwing harder always means throwing further - technique is more important than force
Believing that square-on position gives more power - sideways-on position is biomechanically superior
Assuming that longer run-ups always improve throws - controlled approach is more effective
Missing the importance of the non-throwing arm - it provides crucial balance and direction
Focusing only on distance rather than accuracy and technique development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter practice periods, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, larger targets, step-by-step technique breakdown, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routines for equipment collection, visual schedules for lesson progression, quiet zones for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured targets, verbal descriptions of target positions, tactile markers for throwing line

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals for throwing and collection, written instruction cards, demonstration-focused teaching

physical disability

Seated throwing versions, lighter implements, closer target distances, adapted throwing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, calculating scores, angles of trajectory, timing sequences

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, gravity effects on projectile paths, lever principles in arm action

Geography

Countries and capitals knowledge, mapping throwing distances, direction and compass points

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, personal goal-setting, celebrating others' achievements, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at throwing line corner for maximum visibility of all students and throwing actions

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways-on body position, elbow-led pulling action, and safe group behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students show unsafe throwing practices or struggle with group timing

Demonstration Notes

Emphasise contrast between correct and incorrect technique, use slow motion for complex movements

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways-on like a statue!'
•'Elbow leads the way!'
•'Pull through and follow!'
•'Wait for the signal!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m area with clear throwing zones and safe collection areas

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards in throwing area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check soft javelins for damage before use
•Ensure target equipment is securely positioned
•Verify adequate spacing for safe throwing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during approach runs
•Throwing implements hitting participants
•Slips during rapid direction changes
•Equipment falling from target structures

Risk Mitigation

•Clear signals for group throwing and collection
•Adequate spacing between throwing positions (3m minimum)
•Designated areas for left and right-handed throwers
•Secure positioning of all target equipment

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing areas
•Monitor adherence to safety signals and procedures
•Watch for students who may struggle with group timing

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid and seek additional support if needed