Model the skill

Introduce students to the components of the overarm throw by modelling and explaining the movements needed. Say to students:

• • Look at your target.  

  • Point to the target (with your non-throwing arm).  

  • Stand side-on.  

  • Step forward and throw.  

  • Follow through, down and across your body with your throwing arm.  

  • Swing your arm down and back as you prepare to throw. 

  • Step, throw and follow-through down and across your body. 

Independent practice -  Send and run

Skill focus: Side gallop and overarm throw

Equipment: 8 markers (to set out playing area), 2 markers and 1 ball per pair of students. 

How to play: Students play in pairs to throw a ball at a target and run to collect the ball once thrown. 

• Place one marker at the starting point and the second ‘target marker’ at a distance that provides an appropriate level of throwing challenge. 

• Students throw the ball at their marker for their partner to chase using a side gallop and return it. 

• Students rotate thrower and collector after each turn. 

FMS focus activity - Rebound ball

FMS: Overarm throw

Equipment: Any type of ball depending on the experience and ability level of the players (One per 3 players) and open space near a wall (players at least 2 metres away). 

How to play: A player throws a ball at a wall and stands back for a second player to catch the ball – the activity continues this way. Play with 2 or 3. 

• The first player throws the ball at the wall and moves quickly to the end of the team, allowing the second player to move up and catch the ball. Continue down the line. 

• Allow a period for players to experiment with the best method of throwing. 

• Stop the practice and share ideas with the whole group, recommence play. 

FMS focus activity - Throw, throw, throw

FMS:Overarm throw  

Equipment: Markers to separate groups, bean bags, tennis balls, or soft foam balls (1 per student)

How to play: 2 groups of equal size face each other. Each player has a throwing object (tennis ball, soft foam ball, bean bag). On a signal, players throw their ball or bean bag over a line in the direction of the opposite team. After a set period, balls are counted to see who has the fewest balls. 

• Divide the group into 2 teams.

• Play for a set period (e.g. 30 seconds). That can be a lot of throwing!  

• Encourage different strategies (e.g. gatherers and throwers work together).

• Players should ‘throw fast and throw smart’! 

It's game time!

Teams play each other in the game outlined below.