Javelin and Precision

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 5 students (ages 9-10), focusing on developing throwing skills through javelin and precision throwing activities. The session integrates the National Curriculum for England’s PE requirements, emphasising accuracy, control, and inclusive practice that accommodates wheelchair users. This is Lesson 3 of 6 in the unit "Athletics Skills for All."

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2: Years 3-6 - Physical Education (Athletics strand)

• NC PE Objective:
  Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
  Develop the skills to participate in competitive sports and activities.
  Understand and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.

• Specific to throwing and catching:
  Pupils should be able to:

  • Develop accuracy and power when throwing.
  • Choose and apply tactics to suit different situations.
  • Develop control and accuracy in basic throwing and catching.

• Inclusion and Adaptation:
  Adapt activities to ensure all pupils (including those with physical disabilities) can participate fully and demonstrate progress.

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Demonstrate controlled and accurate throwing techniques for javelins and bean bags.
2. Apply a range of throwing grips and release angles to improve precision.
3. Adapt techniques appropriately when aiming at different sized targets from various distances.
4. For wheelchair users, demonstrate modified throwing techniques with soft balls to achieve accuracy from a seated position.
5. Reflect on their own and peers' throwing performance, offering constructive feedback.

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Resources and Equipment

• Plastic or foam javelins (safe for indoors/outdoors)
• Bean bags (various colours)
• Soft balls for wheelchair users (lightweight, easy grip)
• Targets: Cones, hoops, or target boards placed at different distances
• Markers to indicate throwing lines and zones
• Wheelchair-accessible area
• Stopwatch for timed challenges

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Safety Briefing (5 minutes)

• Welcome class and outline objectives.
• Discuss safety rules when throwing javelins and bean bags.
• Explain how the equipment will be used and how to be mindful of others' space.
• Special reminder for wheelchair users about spatial awareness.

2. Warm-Up: End Zone Activity (8 minutes)

Activity: "Moving Targets"

• Pupils jog around a marked area ("end zone").
• On teacher's whistle, students quickly move to a designated “safe zone.”
• Incorporate dynamic stretches focusing on arms, shoulders, and core (eg. arm circles, trunk rotations).
• To increase engagement, add a “freeze” element where pupils must freeze and strike an athletic pose.

3. Skill Development: Javelin Throwing Technique (12 minutes)

Demonstration & Discussion (3 minutes):

• Teacher models the correct javelin grip, stance, and throwing motion emphasising:
  • Sideways stance,
  • Kroing the wrist back,
  • Stepping forward for power,
  • Smooth release aiming for distance and accuracy.

Partner Practice (9 minutes):

• Pupils practise throws to a target at medium distance.
• Encourage focus on control and accuracy rather than power.
• Teacher circulates offering individual feedback on technique:
  • Foot placement,
  • Arm action,
  • Follow-through.

4. Precision Throwing: Bean Bags at Targets (10 minutes)

Setup:

• Place multiple sized targets progressively further away.
• Different coloured bean bags assigned to different targets to encourage strategic thinking.

Task:

• Pupils aim to land bean bags inside targets, earning points based on difficulty (smaller/farther = more points).
• Vary distances and target sizes intermittently to challenge accuracy and adaptability.
• Introduce a timed element — how many accurate throws can be scored in 1 minute?

Wheelchair User Adaptation:

• Soft balls replace bean bags.
• Targets set at appropriate accessible heights and distances.
• Pupils throw from their chairs, with focus on arm movement control and aim.

5. Cool-Down and Reflection (7 minutes)

Cool-Down:

• Gentle stretches focusing on shoulders, arms, and legs.
• Breathing exercises to relax muscles.

Reflection:

• Group discussion: What helped improve accuracy?
• Encourage pupils to share tips or challenges they faced.
• Teacher invites pupils to self-assess their progress and peer feedback on technique and control.

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Assessment and Differentiation

Formative Assessment

• Observe pupils’ technique and control during practice throws.
• Use peer feedback sessions to promote self-awareness and communication skills.
• Use a simple points sheet during precision throwing for ongoing progress check.

Differentiation

• Vary target sizes and distances for different abilities.
• Provide extra individual coaching or simplified tasks for pupils struggling with technique.
• Extend challenges such as “throw with your non-dominant hand” for more advanced pupils.
• Inclusive practice for wheelchair users ensures equal engagement and achievement opportunities.

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Extension Ideas / Homework

• Suggest pupils practise safe throwing techniques at home or in the playground with family members using soft balls or bean bags.
• Encourage keeping a simple log to track accuracy improvements (e.g., number of target hits in 10 throws).

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Teacher’s Notes

• Focus on safety first — ensure javelins are appropriate for age and materials are soft/plastic.
• Keep timings flexible depending on group size and individual pupil needs.
• Use positive reinforcement to build confidence, especially when encouraging less confident throwers.
• Use questioning techniques to develop pupils’ understanding of why accuracy and control are important in athletics.

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This lesson balances skill development with inclusivity and fun, fully supporting the statutory PE curriculum requirements whilst fostering enthusiasm and respect for all learners.