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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can understand how, when and why to throw a ball overarm with power and distance.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: to throw overarm, stand side on with opposite arm to foot, arm and elbow high and finish by extending the arm.
      2. Move: when fielding over a distance, we need to use an overarm throw to powerfully return the ball to a target.
      3. Think: evaluating strengths and weaknesses in our technique develops an accurate and powerful overarm throwing action.
      4. Feel: practising our overarm throw until we improve our technique, shows determination and integrity.
      5. Connect: collaborating with our partners and helping each other improve our throwing technique shows respect.

      Keywords

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

      • Overarm - throwing a ball in which you stretch your arm over your shoulder.

      • Powerful - the ability to use force when aiming at different targets

      Common misconception

      Pupils generate a throwing action using the the arm only.

      Encourage pupils to use all the body, rather than just the arm when throwing, to help generate power and balance when throwing over a greater distance.

      Teacher tip

      Use objects as a visual guide for children to throw over to help see the trajectory of the throw through the air

      Equipment

      30+ cones; balls and various throwing objects; hoops (1 between 2)

      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.
      What do you call the ability to control where an object is thrown?

      effort
      force
      Correct answer: accuracy

      Q2.
      How can we show support for teammates when they make a mistake?

      Correct answer: help them
      call their name
      take their go

      Q3.
      What throwing technique can help with accuracy?

      overarm
      Correct answer: underarm
      lob

      Q4.
      What can help us to hit the target?

      speed
      Correct answer: control
      distraction

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What parts of the body are needed to throw an overarm throw?

      the arm only
      arm and shoulder
      Correct answer: whole body

      Q2.
      What can help to improve our throwing accuracy?

      Correct answer: practise
      nothing
      power

      Q3.
      What might be the result of using too much power when throwing towards a target?

      not reached
      hit
      Correct answer: overshot

      Q4.
      What can we build when working with others to improve our throwing technique?

      strength
      Correct answer: trust
      points

      To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Throwing overarm, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...