Lesson 1 - Catching and Throwing Accuracy
Leadership in Rounders
•Year 6
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use catching and throwing skills together to perform effective sequences in striking and fielding games?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate throwing techniques with appropriate force and direction
- Master catching with soft hands and proper positioning
- Apply catching and throwing skills in combination during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate underarm and overarm throwing techniques
- Students will catch balls consistently using correct hand positioning and body alignment
- Students will link catching and throwing skills effectively in game sequences
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in equipment bag at side of area
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing softer equipment
Set 20m from starting line, 5m apart for peripheral vision running
Alternative: Markers, hoops, or chalk marks on ground
Three courts marked with clear throwing line and end zones
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or natural boundaries
For timing 45-second challenge and game rotations
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, classroom clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
Relaxed hands that cushion the ball's impact when catching
Hand position for catching with thumbs together forming a W shape
Awareness of surroundings while focusing on the ball
Throwing technique with arm moving over the shoulder
Throwing technique with arm swinging under and forward
Positioned hands that show thrower where to aim
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills
- Understanding of underarm throwing technique
- Experience with simple catching activities
Current Skills
- Accurate throwing into space
- Catching with soft hands using W-grip
- Moving to catch balls and linking skills in sequences
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positions and strategies
- Batting techniques and timing
- Tactical understanding of striking and fielding games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Soft hands technique is crucial for consistent catching success
- Throwing accuracy improves with proper grip and follow-through
- Moving to catch requires weight on balls of feet and good balance
- Communication is essential for effective fielding in game situations
- Practice under pressure prepares students for real game applications
- Peer assessment develops both technical knowledge and social skills
- Safety in striking and fielding games requires constant awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Harder catching leads to more secure catches - actually soft hands prevent rebounds
- Throwing harder always means throwing further - technique and accuracy are more important
- Only the catcher needs to watch the ball - throwers must also track their throws
- Game rules can be bent for advantage - fair play and safety rules are non-negotiable
- Individual skill is more important than teamwork - games require both personal skill and team cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls initially, reduced complexity in catching patterns, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for regulation breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball location, assign sighted buddy for Danish Long Ball
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written rules displayed on boards
physical disability
- Seated catching and throwing options, modified throwing distances, adapted scoring systems for Danish Long Ball
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful catches, measuring throwing distances, calculating scores in Danish Long Ball, timing activities
Science
Forces involved in throwing and catching, friction between ball and hands, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court layouts and player positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills don't work first time, leadership during peer assessment activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sightlines to all three game courts, rotate between courts for close observation
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, throwing accuracy, and safe game play during Danish Long Ball
Intervention Points
Step in when unsafe striking occurs, when technique deteriorates under pressure, or when students become frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate catching with exaggerated soft hands, show throwing techniques from side angle for clear arm action visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
- •'Eyes on the ball all the way!'
- •'Step and throw, follow through!'
- •'Move your feet to get in line!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m for three Danish Long Ball courts plus warm-up space
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage and proper inflation
- •Cones inspected for cracks or sharp edges
- •Court boundaries clearly marked and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head during Danish Long Ball
- •Collisions during peripheral vision running
- •Trips and falls on uneven surface
- •Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict enforcement of below head-height striking rule
- •Clear movement patterns established during warm-up
- •Adequate spacing between all activities
- •Regular water breaks and intensity monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all three courts
- •Actively monitor Danish Long Ball for safe play
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal, assessment of injury, appropriate first aid response, contact emergency services if required