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Lesson 3 - Throwing Control & Power

Technical Skills Development

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Year 7

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Size 3 Footballs

8-10

Distributed around circuit stations

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs

Tennis Balls

15 per throwing station

Alternative: Rubber playground balls, bean bags

Light Primary Shot

12 (600g-1.5kg)

Various weights for differentiation

Alternative: Medicine balls, weighted bean bags

Balls

For target throwing activities

Alternative: Foam balls, deck tennis rings

Hoops

Set at 5m intervals for targets

Alternative: Cones, buckets, targets drawn on ground

Nets

Height approximately 2m for throwing over

Alternative: Rope between posts, volleyball nets

Dish Cones

Every metre up to 10m from throwing lines

Alternative: Chalk lines, painted marks

Relay Baton

One per warm-up group

Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, foam batons

Key Vocabulary

Push throw

A throwing technique where the implement is pushed from the shoulder/chest area rather than being hurled

Force application

The amount and direction of power applied to move an object

Efficiency

Achieving maximum output with minimum wasted energy or movement

Power

The combination of strength and speed to produce explosive movement

Trajectory

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

Consistent push throw technique with both hands

Improved distance measurements over the lesson

Clear explanation of strength/power transfer

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