Aiming for Success

Curriculum Area and Level

Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 1)
Focus Area: Fundamental Movement Skills (Throwing & Catching)
Specific Objective: Develop accuracy and control in the underarm throw

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Demonstrate the correct technique for an underarm throw
• Aim and throw with increasing accuracy
• Work collaboratively in pairs and small groups

Equipment Needed

• 12 small beanbags (1 between 2)
• 6 hula hoops
• 6 small cones
• 1 large target (hoop or bin)

Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes) – Traffic Light Game

Objective: To develop basic motor skills and listening skills.

• Children move around a marked area using different actions:
  • Green Light: Walking/running around the space
  • Amber Light: Hopping or side-stepping
  • Red Light: Freezing on the spot
• Add a new action: Throw & Catch – children throw an imaginary beanbag in the air and catch it when signalled

Progression: Give each child a beanbag to practise with while moving.

2. Skill Development (10 minutes) – Mastering the Underarm Throw

Teaching Points:

• Step forward with the opposite foot
• Swing arm backward before throwing
• Release low and follow through towards the target
• Aim carefully

Drill: Target Throw

• Pupils pair up, standing 2 metres apart
• One pupil holds a beanbag, the other holds a hula hoop
• The thrower aims to land the beanbag inside the hoop
• Swap roles after 4 turns each

Challenge: Increase the distance between partners; introduce a scoring system (1 point per successful throw).

3. Main Activity (10 minutes) – Treasure Toss Challenge

Scenario: "You are pirates collecting treasure! The treasure has been scattered across the deck, and you must throw it into your ship’s storage!"

• Divide class into six teams (4 pupils per team)
• Each team has a set of beanbags (treasure) and a target hoop/cone (ship storage)
• Pupils take turns throwing the treasure into their team's hoop
• Successful throws score 1 point
• After 5 minutes, count the treasure and see which ship stored the most

Progression: Move targets further away; introduce obstacles such as cones to throw over.

4. Cool Down (5 minutes) – Beanbag Balancing Challenge

• Pupils balance a beanbag on their head and walk slowly around the space
• Can they crouch down and stand up again without dropping it?
• End with some deep breaths and gentle stretching

Assessment Criteria

• Pupil can demonstrate correct underarm throwing technique
• Pupil can aim and throw with increasing accuracy
• Pupil can work effectively with a partner and in a team

Differentiation

• Support: Reduce the throwing distance; provide individual guidance
• Challenge: Introduce moving targets or require a bounce before landing in the hoop

Teacher’s Reflection

• Did all pupils actively participate?
• Were they able to improve their accuracy?
• What scaffolding or progressions worked well?

This engaging session ensures active participation, skill progression, and fun learning experiences, embedding fundamental throwing skills in an imaginative and structured way. 🚀