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Lesson 3 - Heave Throw Technique and Distance

Power & Technique Excellence

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use our whole body to generate maximum power and distance in throwing?

Learning Objectives

Develop and refine the heave throw technique with proper body mechanics
Throw for maximum distance using progressive skill development
Evaluate and provide constructive feedback on throwing performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct heave throw technique with consistent form
Students will increase throwing distance through improved technique
Students will assess performance and suggest improvements for self and peers

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

20-25 (small, safe for throwing games)

Store in central container for easy access

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft playground balls

Cones

15-20 for marking distances and boundaries

Set up throwing lanes with 1-metre distance markers

Alternative: Dome markers, chalk lines on playground

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Check balls are properly inflated and safe

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or medicine balls

Measuring Tapes

2-3 for distance measurement

Use for accurate distance recording

Alternative: Pre-marked throwing area with distance lines

Score Sheets

1 per student

Include space for three throw distances and feedback

Alternative: Digital recording on tablets

Hoops

20 for War Ball starting positions

Place at strategic positions around playing area

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Heave throw

A two-handed overhead throwing technique used to generate maximum distance

Trajectory

The curved path that a thrown object follows through the air

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball

Biomechanics

The study of how body movements create force and power

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of force and direction in throwing
Experience with various ball games

Current Skills

Heave throw technique development
Distance throwing with power generation
Peer assessment and feedback skills

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques in athletics
Competition throwing events
Biomechanical analysis of movement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed grip and stance

Smooth weight transfer from back to front foot

Full body extension with ball release above head

Key Teaching Points

Heave throw uses whole-body power generation from legs through arms
Back-to-target starting position is crucial for maximum power transfer
Hip hinge movement creates stretch-shortening cycle for explosive power
Ball travels in overhead plane, not around the body like hammer throw
Distance measured from first point of contact, not final resting place
Peer coaching develops both technical understanding and communication skills
Progressive challenge from control to power maintains technique focus

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking harder throwing automatically means further distance - emphasise technique over force
Believing the heave throw is just an overhead throw - stress the unique hip hinge and leg drive sequence
Measuring distance where ball stops rather than first contact point - demonstrate difference clearly
Assuming all athletic throws are the same - compare and contrast different throwing techniques
Thinking coaching is just saying 'good job' - teach specific observation and feedback skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement between activities, clear time boundaries, role rotation every 5-7 minutes, specific focus tasks

dyspraxia

Extended practice time, simplified technique breakdown, larger balls initially, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards for technique, quiet area available if needed, consistent partner partnerships

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal description of technique, partner guidance for direction, audio signals for throwing

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals for field entry, partner communication support

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, lighter equipment options, modified distances, alternative grip techniques as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Distance measurement, speed calculation (distance ÷ time), angles and trajectory paths, data recording and comparison

Science

Forces and motion, energy transfer through body, gravity and air resistance effects on projectiles, biomechanics principles

Geography

Direction and orientation, spatial awareness, measurement using standard units, scale and proportion

PSHE

Perseverance in skill development, constructive feedback and communication, supporting others' learning and progress

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at side of throwing area with clear view of all lanes, move strategically to observe technique

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent technique progression, safe throwing practices, quality of peer feedback

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes dangerous, if students ignore safety protocols, or if peer feedback becomes negative

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate technique in profile view so students can see body mechanics clearly, emphasise the flow of power from legs through arms

Verbal Cues

•'Back to target, feet like railway tracks!'
•'Hinge and drive like a rocket!'
•'Long arms, reach for the sky!'
•'First point of contact, not where it bounces!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m throwing area with clear runback zones, marked throwing lanes

Surface Check

Level grass or athletics surface, free from holes, wet patches, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are in good condition without splits or damage
•Ensure cones are stable and visible for distance marking
•Verify throwing implements are appropriate weight for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to students in throwing area
•Collisions from students entering field before all-clear signal
•Muscle strain from explosive throwing movements without adequate warm-up

Risk Mitigation

•Strict protocol for field entry only after teacher signal
•Clear throwing lanes with adequate spacing between students
•Progressive warm-up included with dynamic movements
•Proper technique instruction before power throwing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all throwing lanes simultaneously
•Monitor fatigue levels affecting technique and safety
•Ensure safety protocols are followed during competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required