New
New
Year 2

Underarm throwing to beat an opponent

I can perform an underarm throw accurately when trying to beat an opponent.

New
New
Year 2

Underarm throwing to beat an opponent

I can perform an underarm throw accurately when trying to beat an opponent.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: using different body parts such as fingers, arms and feet, can help you throw with accuracy.
  2. Move: receiving the ball requires having our hands in the ready position and focusing on where the pass is coming from.
  3. Think: concentrating on the target when throwing underarm increases your chances of beating an opponent.
  4. Feel: trying hard to keep improving your underarm throwing demonstrates self-belief.
  5. Connect: congratulating and encouraging your opponent will help them develop their throwing technique.

Keywords

  • Accuracy - the ability to control where we throw an object

  • Opponent - a person who is on an opposing side in a game

  • Concentration - paying close attention to a given task

Common misconception

When in a game situation and trying to beat an opponent, pupils focus on throwing with more power and speed, rather than focusing on using the correct throwing technique.

Explain to pupils that using the correct technique will produce better accuracy and eventually the speed and power of throws will increase.


To help you plan your year 2 physical education lesson on: Underarm throwing to beat an opponent, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Group pupils in ability levels and use a variety of different sized balls in cycle 1 to challenge and meet the needs of all ability levels.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 ball between 5 pupils, 1 beanbag between 2, 3 cones per pupil.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What word describes using your hand to send an object through the air towards a target?

Correct answer: throwing
catching
dribbling

Q2.
Where should you look before throwing a ball?

at the ground
Correct answer: at the target
towards the sky

Q3.
What can you increase by concentrating and looking toward the target before passing?

points
passing speed
Correct answer: passing accuracy

Q4.
What are you demonstrating when you help others to keep accurate score?

Correct answer: teamwork and honesty
speed and strength
resilience

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Where should you have your hands when you are ready to receive a pass?

Correct answer: out in front
by your side
on your head

Q2.
What is more important for throwing with accuracy?

throwing speed
throwing power
Correct answer: throwing technique

Q3.
What word describes a person who is on the opposing side in a game?

Correct Answer: opponent, an opponent, opponents, the opponent

Q4.
Trying hard to improve and not giving up demonstrates which quality?

integrity
Correct answer: self-belief
good communication