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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can throw underarm accurately towards a target.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: pointing your non-throwing arm towards the target helps improve throwing accuracy.
      2. Move: stepping into your throw and extending your throwing arm improves throwing accuracy.
      3. Think: concentrating on the target is important when throwing underarm as it will increase accuracy.
      4. Connect: encouraging yourself and others to try to challenge themselves demonstrates fairness.
      5. Feel: counting the scores accurately demonstrates honesty and a commitment to trying our best.

      Keywords

      • Throwing - using your hand to send a ball through the air to a specific target or area

      • Target - an object you are aiming for

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

      Common misconception

      Pupils believe that throwing requires a lot of strength rather than proper technique.

      Ensure that pupils understand that throwing too hard can lead to poor technique and less accuracy when aiming for a target.

      Teacher tip

      If possible, use beanbags for this lesson to stop having balls rolling over the area. Different sized hoops work well for challenging the pupils. Cones can also be used as targets to hit.

      Equipment

      3 beanbags between 2 pupils, 30+ cones, hoops

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where should your hands be when preparing to stop a ball?

      in your pockets
      Correct answer: out and ready
      on your head

      Q2.
      Why do you need to roll the ball with control?

      Correct answer: for better accuracy
      it goes further
      for higher bounces

      Q3.
      What can happen if you do not position your body behind the ball when preparing to stop it?

      Correct answer: it rolls past
      the ball stops
      nothing

      Q4.
      Which skill can help increase your rolling and throwing accuracy?

      running
      catching
      Correct answer: concentration

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Who can you encourage to demonstrate fairness?

      just yourself
      nobody
      Correct answer: everyone

      Q2.
      Why is it important to focus on your throwing technique, rather than how powerful you can throw?

      Correct answer: improve your accuracy
      to throw harder
      it's easier

      Q3.
      What can you do with your throwing arm to improve accuracy?

      Correct answer: extend towards target
      extend up high
      extend down low

      Q4.
      How can you show that you are committed to trying your best and improving?

      giving up easily
      Correct answer: playing honestly
      giving little effort

      To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: Throwing (underarm), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...