Throwing overarm and underarm in striking and fielding games
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use both underarm and overarm throws in a game in order to keep the batters score as low as possible.
Key learning points
- Move: accurate underarm and overarm throwing allows us to send the ball into space away from fielders in a game.
- Move: to return the ball using underarm or overarm, we have to run fast, retrieve the ball and step towards the target.
- Think: knowing when and why to use an underarm/overarm throw will help to prevent the batters scoring points in a game.
- Feel: working closely with our teammates develops trust, helping us to be more successful in a game situation.
- Connect: respecting and encouraging our teammates and opponents is important when playing a competitive game.
Keywords
Underarm - throwing the ball from below the shoulder level
Overarm - throwing a ball with full extension of the arm over the shoulder
Game - an activity or sport in which people compete with each other according to agreed rules
Common misconception
Pupils will choose to throw overarm from a distance even if this compromises accuracy.
Accuracy of an overarm throw takes time and practise. Pupils should try exploring both throwing techniques from different distances to judge what is their conformable throwing range.
Teacher tip
Allow pupils lots of practise time for using different throwing approaches in practice and game situations. This will help them to get a 'feel' for the distance, power and accuracy of their throw.
Equipment
40+ cones; balls (different sizes)
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When would you use an overarm throw?
Q2.Where should I stand to increase the accuracy of a throw towards a target?
Q3.What can I adjust to improve throwing accuracy?
Q4.What do we improve by practising an overarm throw with a teammate?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What strategy can be used to pass the ball in fielding to a target?
Q2.What skills does a fielder need?
Q3.How can new ideas impact games?
Q4.What should the fielding team aim to stop the batting team from doing?
To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Throwing overarm and underarm in striking and fielding games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Throwing overarm and underarm in striking and fielding games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Striking and fielding games: fielding vs batting unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.