PEVOLVE
← Throwing & Catching Foundations
FreeKS1Year 1, Year 240 mins

Fundamental Movement Skills · Lesson 5 of 6

Overarm for Distance

Learning objective: To throw overarm with a long arm for distance.

Success criteria

  • I can stand side-on and point at where I want to throw.
  • I can take my throwing arm back long and high.
  • I can step and throw, finishing across my body.

Equipment

  • Tennis balls or small soft balls
  • Cones at 2-metre intervals
  • Hoops as landing zones

Organisation & set-up

Throwing line with cones every 2 metres to measure distance. All pupils throw in the same direction; collectors wait for the signal.

PupilDefenderCone→ Movement / pass

Warm-up: Star Jumps & Shoulder Circles

6 mins
  1. Jog, then perform 10 star jumps.
  2. Arm circles forwards and backwards.
  3. Mirror the teacher's 'aeroplane' arms.

Skill introduction & demonstration

5 mins

Demonstrate the overarm throw: side-on, non-throwing arm points at target, throwing arm back and high, step with opposite foot, release high, follow through across body.

Side-onPoint at targetLong arm backStep, throw, follow through

Skill development 1: Wall Throws

7 mins
  1. Throw overarm at a wall target from 4 metres.
  2. Catch the rebound or collect.
  3. Focus on stepping with the opposite foot.

Skill development 2: Distance Zones

7 mins
  1. Throw from the line; note which cone zone it lands in.
  2. Three throws each; record best.
  3. SAFETY: throw only on the signal; collect only on 'collect'.

Main activity: Team Distance Challenge

10 mins
  1. Teams of four add up their best throws by zone number.
  2. Second round: can the team beat its first total?
  3. Celebrate personal bests, not just the longest throw.

Coaching points & teaching cues

  • Side-on
  • Point with the non-throwing hand
  • Long arm back
  • Step and follow through

Common mistakes & corrections

  • Throw goes into the floor: Release higher, aim at the sky over the target.
  • Facing forward: Start side-on with feet on a line.
  • Pushing the ball like a dart: Arm back long and high, elbow above shoulder.

Easier challenges

  • Throw a beanbag or larger soft ball.
  • Throw from a kneeling position to focus on the arm.

Harder challenges

  • Throw at a high target for accuracy.
  • Add a two-step run-up.

Inclusion & SEND adaptations

Adaptations

  • Use larger, softer or brighter balls (e.g. beanbags, balloons, sensory balls) for pupils who find tracking difficult.
  • Offer a seated or stationary version of each task; pair with a supportive peer.
  • Use visual cue cards and demonstrate rather than relying only on verbal instructions.

Maximising participation

  • Keep groups small (2-4) so every pupil has many turns.
  • Avoid elimination games; use points or personal bests instead.
  • Rotate roles (thrower, catcher, coach, scorer) so everyone has a purpose.

Assessment opportunities

  • Record zone reached.
  • Check side-on start and opposite-foot step.

Plenary & reflection questions

  • When would you use an overarm throw?
  • What helps the ball go further?
  • How did your best throw compare with your first?