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. 

Guided 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 - L-O-N-G throw

Skill focus: Overarm throw

Equipment: one ball per pair, markers

How to play: A cooperative game in which a ball is thrown between two players. If the ball reaches the catcher on the full, both the catcher and the thrower step back. If it is dropped, both take a step forward. The winning pair is the one that has retreated the furthest. 

FMS consolidation activity - Interceptor

Skill focus: Overarm throw and catch

Equipment: Any kind of light ball, markers

How to play: 2 players pass a ball to one another. An opponent between the 2 players attempts to intercept the ball. Players change roles frequently. 

• Divide the players into groups of 3 

• Each group chooses an interceptor – the other 2 are passers. The interceptor must stay on the line. 

• The 2 passers try to keep possession of the ball. The interceptor tries to touch or catch the ball. 

• Rotate roles – after an agreed number of games, one of the passers becomes the interceptor. Alternatively, every time the interceptor touches or catches the ball, a point is scored.  

It's game time!

Teams play each other in the game outlined below.

4 square

Skill focus: Overarm throw and catch

Equipment: Indoor or outdoor playing area, variety of balls of different sizes, 10 marker cones, bibs to distinguish between teams.

How to play: 8 players are divided into 2 teams. A playing area is divided into 4 and a player from each team goes into a square. The team in possession of the ball passes it to team‑mates in any of the 4 squares, trying to avoid interception. Players remain in their square. 

• One team takes possession of the ball (receivers) and tries to make as many passes as possible between themselves. The other team (interceptors) tries to intercept the ball. 

• Players can pass in any direction – no running with the ball. 

• All players must remain in their own square. 

• If the interceptors catch the ball or knock it out of play, they take possession.