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Lesson 2 - Throwing Techniques

Technical Mastery & Leadership

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Year 9

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Sport Education

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Big Question

How can mastering different throwing techniques give you a tactical advantage in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

Lead their own warm-up activities and demonstrate leadership skills
Develop and refine side sling and underarm throwing techniques
Apply throwing techniques tactically in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently lead warm-up routines for their team
Students will demonstrate accurate side sling and underarm throws
Students will select appropriate throwing techniques based on game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

40-50 (various sizes)

Distribute around court perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls for modified games

Team bibs

30 (4 different colours)

One colour per team, extras for officials

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Throw Down Markers

Mark court boundaries and throwing lines

Alternative: Cones, floor tape, poly spots

Cones

Define court quarters and safety zones

Alternative: Markers, boundary tape

Stopwatch

One for teacher, one for student timekeeper

Alternative: Smartphone timer, gymnasium clock

Sun Markers

1 set

For team scores and tactical discussions

Alternative: Paper score sheets, tablet scoring app

Key Vocabulary

Side Sling

A throwing technique where the thrower turns side-on and swings their arm across their body with a whipping motion

Underarm Throw

A low, accurate throwing technique where the ball is released below waist height with an upward motion

Dead Zone

The area immediately around a player where they cannot be hit directly

Fair Play

Playing according to the rules with respect for opponents and officials

Sportsmanship

Showing respect, integrity and good behaviour in competitive situations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of dodgeball rules and safety
Experience with duck and jump movements from previous lesson
Basic teamwork and communication skills

Current Skills

Side sling throwing technique with power and accuracy
Underarm throwing for precision targeting
Leadership skills in warm-up activities
Tactical awareness in competitive situations

Next Steps

Advanced throwing techniques including overarm throws
Complex game strategies and team formations
Officiating and coaching skills development
Tournament organisation and management

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in throwing from 8+ metres

Ability to hit moving targets

Effective leadership demonstrated through peer feedback

Tactical decision-making under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Side sling throw requires side-on stance and whip-like arm action across the body
Underarm throw emphasises pointing to target and stepping towards it for accuracy
Choose throwing technique based on distance, accuracy needs, and game situation
Leadership develops through taking responsibility and supporting teammates
Tactical awareness improves through questioning and game analysis
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as technical skill development
Progressive practice from technique to game application builds confidence

Common Misconceptions

Harder throws are always better - teach accuracy over power for game success
One throwing technique works for all situations - demonstrate when to use each
Individual skill is most important - emphasise team tactics and support
Winning justifies poor sportsmanship - model and reward positive behaviour
Leadership means being loudest - show quiet confidence and encouragement
Only athletic students can succeed - highlight different types of success and contribution

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback, leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified throwing patterns, additional practice time, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet areas available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls with different textures, verbal cues for court positioning, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations, sign language if available

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, modified court sizes, adapted scoring system, peer support for equipment collection

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions and feedback, active listening during discussions, persuasive communication in team motivation

Maths

Calculating scores and points differences, measuring throwing distances, understanding angles of trajectory, data collection and analysis of accuracy rates

Science

Forces and motion in throwing techniques, trajectory paths, friction and air resistance affecting ball flight, biomechanics of efficient movement

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, handling competitive pressure, resilience when facing challenges, conflict resolution during disputes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around activities for maximum visibility, position at corners during games for wide view

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, tactical decision-making, leadership development, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, technique correction needed, disputes between teams, lack of inclusion

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate throwing techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Exaggerate key points like pointing to target and follow-through. Model positive sporting behaviour throughout.

Verbal Cues

•'Point to your target!'
•'Side-on for power!'
•'Soft throws, focus on accuracy!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or outdoor court minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with good grip, no loose equipment or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use only soft foam balls appropriate for dodgeball
•Check balls are not over-inflated or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs should be appropriate size and not torn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face
•Collisions between students during games
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during intense activity periods

Risk Mitigation

•Strict no head/face throwing rule enforced
•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing
•Progressive skill building before competitive games
•Active supervision with roving umpires
•Appropriate warm-up and cool-down periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing activities
•Actively monitor game areas for dangerous play
•Ensure umpires are confident in their role
•Check understanding of safety rules before each activity

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required