Lesson 1 - Throwing Accuracy and Target Skills
Tactical Decision-Making in Danish Longball
•Year 8
•Danish Longball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we develop throwing accuracy to become more effective in invasion games?
Learning Objectives
- Develop overarm throwing technique with accuracy at stationary targets
- Improve spatial awareness and anticipation in dynamic situations
- Apply throwing skills in competitive game scenarios
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent overarm throwing technique
- Students will hit targets accurately from varying distances
- Students will show tactical awareness in game applications
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas, stored in equipment bag when not in use
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or foam balls
Various colours for different target distances and activities
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk marks
Arranged in patterns for throwing golf course
Alternative: Chalk marks, small mats, or painted marks
Wall-mounted or drawn targets for accuracy practice
Alternative: Drawn circles, rope circles, or target areas
Different sized targets at varying heights on wall
Alternative: Drawn targets, posters, or rope outlines
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height with a full arm swing
The ability to throw or aim precisely at a specific target
Predicting what will happen next and preparing to react
Understanding where you are in relation to others and the playing area
Quick movement to avoid contact or interception
Continuing the throwing motion after ball release for maximum accuracy and power
Body positioned with non-throwing shoulder facing the target
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space
- Basic underarm throwing technique
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with sideways stance
- Accurate throwing at stationary targets
- Dynamic movement with spatial awareness
- Applying skills in competitive scenarios
Next Steps
- Throwing at moving targets
- Advanced Danish Longball tactics
- Leadership roles in team games
- Complex invasion game strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways stance is fundamental to accurate overarm throwing
- Follow-through determines both accuracy and power in throws
- Spatial awareness prevents collisions and creates throwing opportunities
- Tactical thinking improves game performance more than physical skill alone
- Positive peer feedback accelerates learning in all students
- Progressive challenges maintain engagement while building confidence
- Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as physical achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Harder throwing always means more accurate - correct by emphasising control over power
- Facing the target square-on gives better aim - demonstrate advantages of sideways stance
- Follow-through isn't important if ball already released - show how it affects accuracy
- Only natural athletes can be good at throwing - highlight improvement through practice
- Winning is more important than technique - emphasise long-term skill development
- Peer assessment means finding faults - teach positive, constructive feedback methods
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with regular breaks, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement system, movement breaks between static activities
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower-moving equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent language and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of targets, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for positions
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key commands, ensure eye contact when giving instructions
physical disability
- Seated throwing versions available, modified distances and targets, adapted equipment like lighter balls, alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating scores in target activities, angles and trajectories in ball flight
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, gravity effects on ball trajectory, energy transfer from body to ball
Geography
Compass directions in NESW warm-up, spatial mapping of throwing course, coordinate positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition positively, building confidence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of activity area for visibility of all students, rotate between groups during practice activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, safe participation, positive interaction between students, and engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe throwing observed, technique needs correction, or poor sportsmanship displayed
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students to demonstrate good examples when appropriate. Exaggerate key teaching points for clarity.
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance like an archer!'
- •'Step and throw, follow through!'
- •'Accuracy beats power every time!'
- •'Great sportsmanship, well done!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 35m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and soft for indoor use
- •Ensure cones have no sharp or broken edges
- •Verify wall target areas are secure and appropriate height
- •Confirm hoops are safely positioned and won't fall
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Overexertion during throwing activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between working pairs/groups
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Emphasis on controlled throwing force throughout
- •Regular safety reminders during activity transitions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all working areas
- •Monitor throwing lanes during accuracy practice
- •Watch for appropriate force levels in games
- •Ensure safe equipment collection and return
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, appropriate first aid if needed, contact school procedures if serious