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Lesson 4 of 6
  • Year 3

Throwing overarm and underarm in striking and fielding games

I can use both underarm and overarm throws in a game in order to keep the batters score as low as possible.

Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
  • Year 3

Throwing overarm and underarm in striking and fielding games

I can use both underarm and overarm throws in a game in order to keep the batters score as low as possible.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: accurate underarm and overarm throwing allows us to send the ball into space away from fielders in a game.
  2. Move: to return the ball using underarm or overarm, we have to run fast, retrieve the ball and step towards the target.
  3. Think: knowing when and why to use an underarm/overarm throw will help to prevent the batters scoring points in a game.
  4. Feel: working closely with our teammates develops trust, helping us to be more successful in a game situation.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 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...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

40+ cones; balls (different sizes)

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.
When would you use an overarm throw?

short distances
Correct answer: long distances
for more accuracy

Q2.
Where should I stand to increase the accuracy of a throw towards a target?

Correct answer: in front
behind
next to

Q3.
What can I adjust to improve throwing accuracy?

my ideas
my view
Correct answer: my power

Q4.
What do we improve by practising an overarm throw with a teammate?

Correct answer: accuracy
skill
power

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What strategy can be used to pass the ball in fielding to a target?

bug
Correct answer: caterpillar
spider

Q2.
What skills does a fielder need?

Correct Answer: overarm and underarm throws, fast running, decision making

Q3.
How can new ideas impact games?

makes it easier
more frustrating
Correct answer: more competitive

Q4.
What should the fielding team aim to stop the batting team from doing?

have fun
Correct answer: scoring points
playing