Catching and Throwing - Lesson 6

The sixth lesson in the Reception level Catching & Throwing series is designed to enhance the pupils' ability to consistently catch and throw a tennis ball. The learning objectives set out for this session include mastering underarm and overarm throws, accurately coordinating throws and catches, and balancing a ball on a flat surface. The key vocabulary terms include 'throwing', 'catching', 'aiming', 'overarm', 'underarm', 'bounce', and 'balance'. To facilitate the lesson, the necessary equipment comprises buckets, tennis balls, and rackets. The warm-up routine spans 10 minutes and involves a variety of movements such as walking in different styles, hopping, and skipping, all aimed at preparing the pupils for the main activities while ensuring they maintain personal space and listen to commands.

The main part of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, starts with 'Bin Day', where pupils are divided into groups and tasked with collecting and underarm throwing tennis balls into a bin, followed by an overarm throw attempt. Key teaching points include looking for open space, aiming, and the correct throwing technique. The second activity, 'Tennis Ball Bonanza', gives each pupil a tennis ball and racket to engage in four different tasks: standing throw and catch, throw with a bounce and catch, balancing the ball on the racket, and pushing the ball along the ground with the racket. These activities are designed to develop their throwing, catching, and balancing skills, with variations and extensions provided to cater for different skill levels. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute cooldown where pupils reflect on what they have learned and enjoyed over the past six weeks, discussing their strongest skills and the day's activities.