Minds On

Send it!

Explore the following video demonstrating a type of throw.

What did you notice about how the first person threw the ball?

Press ‘Answer’ to explore some observations about the throw.

The person swung their arm behind them and then forward, releasing the ball with the forward motion.

This is called an underhand throw.

Brainstorm

Brainstorm

What other sports or activities use the skill of throwing a ball or object underhand?

Some examples include softball, a game of horseshoes, rugby, volleyball, bowling, tennis, rhythmic gymnastics, and dodgeball.

Action

Sending objects

Sending is a skill with the intent to move an object away from you. This can include throwing, kicking, hitting, passing, and many other methods.

It is important to communicate effectively to the person you are sending the object to, so that they can prepare their ready position.

Safety

Before you begin, consider these safety precautions:

Warm Up

Squats warm up

Warmups are simple activities that slowly increase our heart rate and get our muscles and joints ready!

Let’s warm up with squats.

  1. If possible, stand up straight with arms forward at shoulder height, palms facing down, and feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Slowly bend knees and squat down until thighs are parallel to the floor.
  3. Rise up slowly and return to the starting position.
  4. Repeat 15 times.

An illustration of a person in a standing position with their arms outstretched in front of them. The person bends their knees into a squat position with their arms still outstretched.

Press ‘Modification’ to access an alternate warm up activity.

Frog jumps

  1. If possible, squat low with knees bent, toes forward, and hands on the ground.
  2. Jump up, extend arms, and land on toes.
  3. Jump again and return to the starting position.
  4. Repeat 15 times.
A person begins in a crouch position, with their hands touching the floor. The person jumps extending their arms above their head.

Throwing to send objects

When you throw an object, do you prefer overhand or underhand? Why? Are you more accurate (can you hit a target) with an overhand or underhand throw? Can you throw farther (reach a person or target from a distance) with an underhand or overhand throw?

Press the following tabs to explore underhand and overhand throws.

Check out this video to learn more about overhand throws.

Explore this video to learn more about underhand throws.

Record your preferred throwing style and tips digitally, orally, or in print. You may also complete the My Throwing Style chart by using the following fillable and printable document.

Press the ‘Printable’ button to access My Throwing Style. 

Printable(Open PDF in a new window)

Now that you have recorded your own strategies, let’s review the steps of each type of throw. Press the following tabs to access tips for throwing overhand and underhand.

Overhand throws

Stand sideways with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the object with the arm you would like to throw with and keep your opposite foot forward. Your eyes should be focused on your target.

Raise your throwing arm so that it is extended behind you and the object is comfortably above your head. Pivot your torso to face the target and if possible, shift your weight to your front foot.

Aim the ball at the target and in one fluid motion, bring your arm forward and let go of the object when it is in front of your head and at eye level. Continue to follow through with the motion as you bring your throwing arm down.

Underhand throws

Keep your body and eyes facing forward towards the target. Hold the ball in the hand of your throwing arm. Your palm should be facing up.

In a single motion, bring your throwing arm back. If possible, take one step forward with the foot that is opposite to your throwing arm. Put your weight into this foot.

Swing your throwing arm forward and release the ball when it is aligned to the target. Follow through with the swinging motion.

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

Did you learn any new tips about overhand or underhand throwing? Add any new information to your previous thoughts about throwing styles.

Then, consider the following questions and record your thoughts using a method of your choice:

  • Which method of throwing do you feel more comfortable performing?
  • Why do you feel more comfortable performing this type of throw?

Object toss

Let’s explore a game called object toss!

A person uses an underhand throw to throw beanbags into a basket.

The objective of the game is to land as many objects as possible in the opposing target. Use any item that can be safely thrown, like rolled-up socks, a stuffed toy, bean bags, or balls.

You will also need:

  • buckets, baskets, or boxes
  • tape or string

Remember to perform a safety check before you begin.

How to play

Create the toss challenges for yourself by setting up the targets as follows:

  1. Using tape or a piece of string, create a line to stand behind.
  2. Place a bucket or basket about 5-10 steps in front of this line. The goal is to get your object in the basket while staying behind the throw line.
  3. Start with an underhand toss.
  4. You have 60 seconds to throw as many objects into the target as possible. Record how many times you get them in.
  5. Next, try for accuracy rather than speed. See how many times you can get the object in the basket in a row. Record the number of times you got the object.

Object toss challenge

Next, let’s modify the game. Press the following tabs to access ways to challenge yourself:

Move the target farther away from your throw line (if you have enough space).

Use a gentle overhand throw to avoid breaking or damaging anything nearby.

Throw with your non-dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your left. If you are left-handed, use your right.

Try throwing a different object!

As you try different challenges:

  • record the number of throws you get into the target in 60 seconds (speed) or the number of times in a row you hit your target (accuracy)
  • note anything you changed (e.g., throwing hand, distance to target, object thrown, etc.)

Complete the Object Toss Challenge in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Press the ‘Printable’ button to access Object Toss Challenge.

Printable(Open PDF in a new window)

Cooldown

Shake and arm circles cooldown

We’re now going to cooldown with a body shake and side arm circles.

Remember to take slow and deep breaths as you allow the heart rate to return to a normal pace.

Body shake

1. Gently shake one arm, the other, or both.

2. Then, shake one leg, the other, or both.

3. Now, shake the head, hips, and whole body.

4. Keep shaking your body for 20 seconds.

Side arm circles

1. If possible, raise arms out from the sides of the body to shoulder height.

2. Slowly circle arms forward 10 times.

3. Then, slowly circle arms backward 10 times.

Optional: If possible, repeat steps 2 and 3 while marching on the spot.

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

Now that you’ve had a chance to explore overhand and underhand throws, consider the following question:

What tips would you give someone trying to learn these skills?

Consolidation

Tactics

Let's consider the following questions:

  • What techniques did you use that helped improve your throwing skills?
  • What strategies did you use to make your throws more accurate?
  • What strategies did you use to increase your speed?
  • Were you able to increase speed and accuracy? How?
  • Why is it important to use caution when throwing objects?

Complete the My Throwing Tactics chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access My Throwing Tactics. 

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

Try It

Throw it

When you have completed the My Throwing Tactics chart, demonstrate what you have learned by recording yourself performing the movements from this activity. If possible, share the throwing strategies you have created with a partner and compare your ideas.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.