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Catch and Throw Basics

PE • Year 1 • 60 • 23 students • Created with AI following Aligned with Common Core State Standards

PE
1Year 1
60
23 students
2 February 2025

Teaching Instructions

I want to plan a lesson for my 1st grade PE class on how to properly catch and throw a ball.

Catch and Throw Basics

Overview

This Physical Education (PE) lesson for 1st grade students focuses on developing fundamental motor skills to catch and throw a ball. This skill is critical for building hand-eye coordination, gross motor development, and teamwork. The activities align with SHAPE America National PE Standard 1: The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Goal

By the end of the class, students will be able to demonstrate proper throwing and catching techniques, showing basic accuracy and control.


Materials

  • 12 soft foam or playground balls of medium size (for safety and ease)
  • 23 poly spots or cones for marking positions
  • A hoop or bucket for accuracy drills
  • Music and a portable speaker (optional, for transitions)

Lesson Structure

0:00 - 0:05 | Introduction (5 min)

  1. Warm Welcome

    • Greet students and gather them in a seated circle.
    • Briefly outline the day’s lesson and ensure excitement: "Today, we are going to become ball-catching and throwing superstars!"
  2. Learning Objective

    • Share the objective in simple language:
      "We will practice how to throw and catch a ball properly, so we can play fun games that use these skills. By the end of today, we’re going to be pros!"
  3. Body and Safety Check

    • Quick stretch to warm up (arms, fingers, and shoulders).
    • Emphasize safety:
      • "Always watch the ball and not your friend when catching."
      • "Keep control of your throws so they don’t get too wild."

0:05 - 0:15 | Skill Introduction and Demonstration (10 min)

  1. Throwing Basics:

    • Demonstrate how to throw overhand and underhand:
      • Overhand: Step with opposite foot, arm up, throw forward with follow-through.
      • Underhand: Hold ball with both hands, step forward, swing arm, and release gently.
    • Show how to aim for a target (e.g., a cone or hoop).
  2. Catching Basics:

    • Demonstrate: Hands open like “a basket,” watching the ball with eyes, and softening hands on impact.
    • Emphasize the importance of focusing on the ball: "If our eyes aren’t on the ball, we’ll miss it!"
  3. Guided Practice with the Class:

    • Model proper technique with a student volunteer.
    • Ask students to mimic your stance and form for both throwing and catching.

0:15 - 0:30 | Partner Practice (15 min)

  1. Pair Students Up:

    • Use numbered poly spots to organize pairs across the gym. (If you have an odd number, rotate the extra student between groups or join in yourself.)
  2. Basic Drill:

    • Students stand on their spots and practice gently throwing and catching with their partner from 5–6 feet away.
    • Focus cues for students:
      • "Step and throw!"
      • "Eyes on the ball to catch!"
  3. Progression:

    • After 5 minutes, have students take one step back to increase distance.
    • Encourage them to adjust their throws and catches for accuracy.
  4. Teacher Check-ins:

    • Move around the room, giving individual tips to improve techniques:
      "Maria, remember to step forward as you throw. That’s better!" or "Tommy, make your hands like a basket to catch the ball."

0:30 - 0:40 | Target Accuracy Game (10 min)

  1. Set Up:

    • Arrange 6 hula hoops or buckets at varying distances.
  2. Game Instructions:

    • Students take turns throwing foam balls at the targets. Each hoop/bucket is worth a different number of points depending on its distance.
    • Use this opportunity to reinforce proper throwing technique (step, aim, follow-through).
  3. Rotation:

    • Divide the class into groups of 3–4 students, rotating them after 3 rounds of throws each.
    • Lead positive reinforcement and celebrate successes: "Great aim, Emma! You hit the farthest hoop!"

0:40 - 0:55 | Catching Challenge Relay (15 min)

  1. Set Up:

    • Divide the class into 4 teams of 5–6 students.
    • Place a cone and a foam ball at one end of each team’s lane.
  2. Relay Instructions:

    • Each student must catch a ball tossed by the teacher (or assistant/helper), then run it back to their team and gently toss it to the next teammate.
    • If a student misses the catch, remind them to “Try again—it’s okay to make mistakes!”
  3. Goal:

    • Emphasize collaboration and teamwork in completing the relay.
  4. Teacher’s Note:

    • Observe and offer corrective feedback during the activity.

0:55 - 1:00 | Cool Down and Reflection (5 min)

  1. Stretch and Breathing:

    • Guide students through arm stretches and deep breathing exercises.
    • Say: "Let’s thank our bodies for working hard today — we learned a lot!"
  2. Reflection Questions:

    • Ask students:
      • "What was the most fun part of our lesson today?"
      • "Can someone show me the proper way to catch a ball?"
  3. Wrap-Up:

    • Congratulate the class on their efforts and remind them that catching and throwing are skills that can be used in tons of games like baseball, kickball, and more.

Differentiation Strategies

  • Advanced Learners: Encourage them to aim for farther buckets or try throwing one-handed.
  • Struggling Learners: Work one-on-one during the relay and guide them towards success in small, manageable steps.
  • Physical Limitations: Allow for seated catching/throwing if needed.

Assessment

  • Formative: Teacher observations during pair practice, accuracy game, and relay activities.
  • Evidence of Learning:
    • Students demonstrate growing ability to execute throwing and catching with proper form.
    • Students show improvement in coordination, teamwork, and focus.

Celebrate their progress and set the stage for future activities like kicking or dribbling! This lesson not only builds essential PE skills but also confidence and a love for movement.

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