Throwing Skills Introduction

Year Level

Years 2-3 (Australia)

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

12 students

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Unit

Inclusive Movement Mastery
Lesson 1 of 10

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Lesson Title

WALT: Introduction to Throwing

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Learning Area

Health and Physical Education

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Australian Curriculum Links

Content Descriptions

• AC9HP2M01: Practise fundamental movement skills and apply them in a variety of movement situations
• AC9HP2M02: Investigate different ways of moving their body, and manipulating objects and space, and draw conclusions about their effectiveness

Elaborations

• Demonstrating fundamental movement skills involving controlling objects with equipment and different parts of the body
• Participating in minor games that require safe use of equipment
• Demonstrating spatial awareness when moving around and through spaces confidently and safely
• Using different types of equipment to solve movement challenges

These codes correspond to important competencies for Years 2-3 students practising throwing skills according to the Australian Curriculum (v9)【17:AC9HP2M01.md】【2:AC9HP2M02.md】.

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Lesson Description

Students will explore the basic throwing techniques with a focus on understanding and performing underhand and overhand throws. Activities will include individual practice and partnered games using soft, lightweight balls to build coordination, control, and confidence with throwing both for accuracy and distance.

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Demonstrate basic underhand and overhand throwing techniques
• Apply these throwing skills safely in individual and partnered activities
• Understand spatial awareness and personal safety during throwing tasks

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Success Criteria

• I can throw a ball underhand with control
• I can throw a ball overhand with control
• I can catch and throw the ball safely with a partner
• I can keep myself and others safe when throwing

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Resources Required

• Soft, lightweight balls (e.g., foam balls, koosh balls) — one per pair
• Cones to mark throwing zones or boundaries
• Open space such as a gymnasium or outdoor oval

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Lesson Schedule

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Light jogging or skipping to loosen muscles
• Simple stretching focusing on shoulders, arms, and wrists
• Fun quick game "Ball Name Toss" – students toss a ball to a classmate while saying their name to develop hand-eye coordination

2. Introduction & Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Teacher demonstrates the key elements of underhand throw (e.g., stance, arm swing low to high, step forward)
• Teacher demonstrates the key elements of overhand throw (e.g., facing target, step with opposite foot, follow through with throwing arm)
• Emphasise safety and space awareness

3. Individual Practice Stations (10 minutes)

• Station 1: Underhand toss to a target (e.g., cones or marked zones)
• Station 2: Overhand throw with focus on accuracy at a target
• Station 3: Throwing at a different distance to develop strength and control
• Rotate students through stations every 3-4 minutes

4. Partner Throw and Catch (15 minutes)

• Students pair up and stand a short distance apart (adjust distance based on skill level)
• Practice underhand and overhand throws to each other focusing on form and catching the ball
• Increase distance gradually if comfortable
• Encourage verbal feedback and encouragement between partners
• Teacher observes and gives personalized tips to improve techniques and ensure safety

5. Cool Down & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gentle stretching arms and shoulders
• Group discussion: What threw well? What felt hard? How did you keep safe?
• Students share one new thing they learned about throwing

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students who need extra support:

  • Use larger, softer balls for easier catching and throwing
  • Decrease throwing distance
  • Provide verbal cues and physical demonstration more frequently
  • Allow seated throwing for those with limited mobility

• For advanced learners:

  • Challenge with smaller, slightly heavier balls for more precision
  • Introduce concepts of throwing for distance versus accuracy
  • Incorporate simple movement sequences combining throws with a step or jump
  • Invite peer coaching roles to reinforce understanding

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Assessment

• Ongoing formative assessment by teacher observation during individual and partner activities
• Use of simple rubric observing: technique (arm action, stepping), control (accuracy and distance), safety awareness, and participation
• End-of-lesson reflection discussion to assess students’ understanding and confidence

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Teacher Notes

• Reinforce inclusive practices by pairing students thoughtfully to encourage peer support
• Encourage positive language and celebrate small improvements to build student confidence
• Maintain a safe throwing environment by clear rules on throwing directions and waiting turns
• Use praise to motivate students in trying both throwing styles even if not immediately successful

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This lesson plan aligns closely with Australian Curriculum v9 requirements for Health and Physical Education in Years 2-3, focussing on fundamental movement skills with object control, safety, and inclusive participation emphasized. It creatively scaffolds skill development from basic introduction to partner collaboration, aiming to engage all learners meaningfully from the outset of the Inclusive Movement Mastery unit【17:AC9HP2M01.md】【2:AC9HP2M02.md】.