Lesson 3 - Heave Throw Technique and Distance
Power & Technique Excellence
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Store in central container for easy access
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft playground balls
Set up throwing lanes with 1-metre distance markers
Alternative: Dome markers, chalk lines on playground
Check balls are properly inflated and safe
Alternative: Size 4 footballs or medicine balls
Use for accurate distance recording
Alternative: Pre-marked throwing area with distance lines
Include space for three throw distances and feedback
Alternative: Digital recording on tablets
Place at strategic positions around playing area
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A two-handed overhead throwing technique used to generate maximum distance
The curved path that a thrown object follows through the air
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball
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
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