Athletics - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of the Reception Athletics series, young pupils are introduced to various throwing techniques, aiming to enhance their ability to throw objects at different distances. The lesson is structured to enable children to learn how to throw a vortex ball, a discus, and perform a chest push. The key vocabulary for the session includes terms such as 'running', 'throwing', 'underarm', 'overarm', 'distance', and 'height', which are integral to understanding the mechanics of athletic throwing. To facilitate the activities, equipment such as hoops, cones, beanbags, vortex balls, large soft balls, and soft discuses are provided to create an engaging and resourceful learning environment.

The lesson commences with a warm-up activity called 'Trucks and Trailers', where pupils carry beanbags and place them in hoops upon a whistle signal, progressing from walking to jogging and eventually throwing the beanbags. The main part of the lesson involves pupils being divided into teams to practice vortex throws, chest pushes, and discus throws, each with specific key teaching points to guide their technique, such as overarm throwing for the vortex and a side-arm technique for the discus. Teachers are advised to demonstrate these activities while ensuring pupils have ample space for safety. The session concludes with a 'Reaction Throw' activity, where pupils must listen for the teacher's command to throw the correct piece of equipment, and a 'Snakes' cool-down exercise, where pupils form a chain and follow a leader's movements. Throughout the lesson, pupils are encouraged to discuss their experiences and reflect on the importance of throwing in athletics, as well as the different objects they can throw.