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Lesson 1 - Throwing Accuracy and Target Skills

Tactical Decision-Making in Danish Longball

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Year 8

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Danish Longball

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Big Question

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

Softballs

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity areas, stored in equipment bag when not in use

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or foam balls

Cones

Various colours for different target distances and activities

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk marks

Spots

16 (8 pairs of different colours)

Arranged in patterns for throwing golf course

Alternative: Chalk marks, small mats, or painted marks

Hoops

Wall-mounted or drawn targets for accuracy practice

Alternative: Drawn circles, rope circles, or target areas

Targets

4 marked areas

Different sized targets at varying heights on wall

Alternative: Drawn targets, posters, or rope outlines

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height with a full arm swing

Accuracy

The ability to throw or aim precisely at a specific target

Anticipation

Predicting what will happen next and preparing to react

Space awareness

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

Dodging

Quick movement to avoid contact or interception

Follow through

Continuing the throwing motion after ball release for maximum accuracy and power

Sideways stance

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

Consistent sideways stance when throwing

Ball released at optimal height for accuracy

Quick reaction to changing game situations

Encouraging teammates and showing leadership

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