Athletics - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of an athletics series for Year 4 students, the objective is to master throwing for distance using various techniques. The lesson plan aims to teach pupils how to throw using an overhead heave and a fling throw, while also gaining an understanding of different athletics events such as javelin, discus, hammer, and shot putt. To aid in the lesson, equipment like tennis balls, basketballs, cones, foam javelins, soft discuses, and small heavy balls for shot putt are utilised. The warm-up involves a reaction throw exercise where pupils line up and respond to numbers called out, aiming to throw a tennis ball overarm as far as possible. This activity not only prepares them for the lesson but also enhances their reaction time and throwing technique.

The main part of the lesson, lasting 35 minutes, is more focused and involves pupils working in pairs to practice the overhead heave with a basketball. They take turns throwing and collecting, with the emphasis on correct technique, including standing with their back to the direction of the throw and releasing the ball with straight arms. Following this, pupils participate in a 'Mini-throwing Olympics', where they are divided into groups and rotate through stations representing different throwing events. They practice each discipline using adapted equipment suitable for their age and skill level, aiming to combine their throws for a total score. To conclude the lesson, a cool down activity called '4 Corners' is conducted, where pupils move to different corners of the area on command and mimic the action of the throw associated with that corner, reinforcing the techniques they've learnt during the session.