Lesson 3 - Throwing Control & Power
Technical Skills Development
•Year 7
•Athletics
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How can we use different throwing techniques to develop strength, power and accuracy that transfers to other sports?
Learning Objectives
- Develop throwing control, accuracy and efficiency using different implements
- Demonstrate increased force and distance in throwing activities
- Understand how throwing activities develop strength and power for other sports
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform push throw techniques with improved control and accuracy
- Students will achieve greater distances through efficient force application
- Students will explain the connection between throwing strength and sports performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around circuit stations
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs
15 per throwing station
Alternative: Rubber playground balls, bean bags
Various weights for differentiation
Alternative: Medicine balls, weighted bean bags
For target throwing activities
Alternative: Foam balls, deck tennis rings
Set at 5m intervals for targets
Alternative: Cones, buckets, targets drawn on ground
Height approximately 2m for throwing over
Alternative: Rope between posts, volleyball nets
Every metre up to 10m from throwing lines
Alternative: Chalk lines, painted marks
One per warm-up group
Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, foam batons
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the implement is pushed from the shoulder/chest area rather than being hurled
The amount and direction of power applied to move an object
Achieving maximum output with minimum wasted energy or movement
The combination of strength and speed to produce explosive movement
The path followed by the thrown object through the air
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing patterns from primary school
- Understanding of force and direction in movement
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Push throw technique development
- Force application and accuracy
- Understanding strength and power development
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques (javelin, discus preparation)
- Competitive throwing events
- Training programme design for throwing events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Push throw originates from chest/shoulder, not overhead swing
- Whole body drives the movement - legs, core, and arms work together
- Secure grip and balanced stance provide foundation for power
- Follow through towards target for accuracy and maximum distance
- Progressive challenge - master technique before increasing distance or weight
- Safety awareness essential - clear area checks before every throw
- Throwing activities develop functional strength that transfers to many sports
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking throwing is only about arm strength - correct by emphasising whole body power
- Believing heavier implements always go further - explain technique and optimal weight relationships
- Assuming distance is more important than technique - emphasise skill development first
- Not understanding connection to other sports - provide specific examples of transfer
- Thinking strength and power are the same - explain power as strength plus speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity intervals, clear boundaries and procedures, frequent positive feedback and movement opportunities
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter implements initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual cues for technique
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available during reflection, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of target locations, buddy system for guidance and safety
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards at each station, hand signals for safety and rotation
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, lighter implements available, modified distances and targets, wheelchair accessible stations
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion - understanding how force, direction and angle affect throwing distance and accuracy
Geography
Coordinates and directions - using compass points in warm-up, understanding spatial relationships
Mathematics
Measurement and data - recording distances, calculating improvements, angles and trajectories
PSHE
Teamwork and leadership - cooperation in pairs and groups, supporting others' learning and development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing observation of all circuit stations and throwing lanes
Observation Focus
Watch for correct push throw technique, safety compliance, and improvement in force application
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, students are not following procedures, or when additional challenge is needed
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at full speed. Use side-on view for push throw technique, emphasise safety procedures at each station
Verbal Cues
- •'Drive through with your whole body, not just arms!'
- •'Hold the ball close to your chest in ready position!'
- •'Follow through towards your target!'
- •'Check your space is clear before throwing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for multiple throwing lanes
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, good grip for throwing stance
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure nets and hurdles are securely positioned
- •Verify all implements are appropriate weight for age group
- •Check distance markers are clearly visible and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from throws
- •Collisions during movement
- •Slips during throwing action
- •Equipment falling or breaking
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes with adequate spacing (minimum 5m apart)
- •Designated officials monitoring safe retrieval
- •No students behind throwing lines during activities
- •Progressive skill building from light to heavier implements
- •Clear 'all clear' signals before throwing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing areas simultaneously
- •Monitor compliance with safety procedures
- •Check proper implement selection for each student
- •Ensure officials are positioned safely
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if necessary