Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can precise throwing and spatial awareness help us dominate in Danish Longball?

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate accurate overarm throwing technique at stationary targets
  • Show spatial awareness by finding space and anticipating movement
  • Communicate effectively with teammates during game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will consistently hit targets from varying distances using overarm throwing
  • Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by creating and using space effectively
  • Students will work collaboratively and provide constructive feedback to peers

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags

Cones
20 assorted colours

Various colours for different throwing distances

Alternative: Markers, spots, hoops

Sun Markers
8 spots

Arranged in circle for NESW activity

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Targets
6 targets

Mounted at chest height on wall

Alternative: Chalk circles, tape targets, basketball hoops

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a windmill motion

Accuracy

The ability to hit intended targets consistently

Anticipation

Predicting what will happen next and positioning accordingly

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to others and the playing area

Tactical awareness

Understanding game strategies and making smart decisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic catching and throwing from primary school
  • Understanding of personal space and movement
  • Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

  • Overarm throwing technique with accuracy
  • Spatial awareness and anticipation skills
  • Tactical decision-making in game situations

Next Steps

  • Throwing under pressure with defenders
  • Complex game strategies in Danish Longball
  • Leadership roles in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent target hitting from 10+ metres
2
Quick adaptation to changing game situations
3
Clear communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise sideways stance and non-throwing arm pointing for overarm throwing technique
  • Develop spatial awareness through progressive movement activities before adding ball skills
  • Use peer assessment to develop technical vocabulary and observation skills
  • Build from individual skills to partner work to competitive game situations
  • Maintain focus on accuracy and technique over power and speed
  • Encourage tactical thinking and decision-making in all game applications
  • Create positive, supportive learning environment where mistakes are learning opportunities

Common Misconceptions

  • Facing the target when throwing - teach sideways stance importance
  • Throwing with all arm power - emphasise whole body involvement and stepping
  • Harder throwing equals better throwing - focus on accuracy and technique
  • Only successful outcomes matter - celebrate effort and improvement
  • Spatial awareness is natural - explicitly teach and practice finding space
  • Peer feedback should only be positive - teach constructive coaching skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive feedback, movement opportunities maintained
dyspraxia
  • Larger, softer equipment provided, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time allowed
autism spectrum
  • Clear activity structure provided in advance, quiet zones available, predictable routines established
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal instructions for spatial positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards available
physical disability
  • Seated throwing options, modified distances, larger targets, alternative catching methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores in throw golf, measuring throwing distances, understanding angles of trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, understanding of trajectory and gravity, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directional awareness, understanding of compass points in NESW activity, spatial mapping

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect and sportsmanship in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corners and edges for maximum visibility of all students, move between activities to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for technical improvement in throwing, spatial awareness development, and positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, students are struggling significantly, or competitive activities become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly and clearly, use students as positive examples, ensure all can see demonstrations

Verbal Cues
  • 'Sideways stance!' for throwing technique
  • 'Find space!' for spatial awareness
  • 'Soft hands!' for catching
  • 'Well done!' for effort recognition

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles, with wall space for target activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check soft balls are appropriate firmness - not too hard
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify wall targets are securely mounted at appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball impacts from throwing activities
  • Collisions during movement activities
  • Slips and falls during direction changes
  • Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
  • Soft balls used for all activities
  • Progressive skill building before competitive games
  • Clear stop signals established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all activities
  • Monitor throwing activities for safe technique
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
  • Ensure fair play in competitive situations
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, inform relevant staff if injury occurs