OPTION: If a yarn ball is dropped, the student will need to perform an exercise such as push-ups, jumping jacks etc… before they throw.You can switch to overhand throws if you think they’re ready. VARIATION: Have students perform underhand tosses from their X to another player standing on an X.The object is to throw the ball as close as you can to another players feet which is standing on the X. In this game half of the students will have a yarn ball. X MARKS THE SPOT: I have X’s painted all over my gym floor, but you can use hoops or anything you have such as poly spots.BASKET THROW: One partner will make a hoop with their arms, while the other attempts to make a basket.The partner should keep their feet together. The goal is to start my attempting to throw the yarn ball on your partners feet. FOOT THROW: Start 5 feet apart with under hand tossing.The goal is simply to hit the wall each time. The thrower can back up a few feet after each throw. OVERHAND THROW: Switch to an overhand throw.Have the tosser move the hoop a few feet further after every successful toss.Attempt to toss the yarn ball into the hoop. UNDERHAND THROW: Stand on a poly spot, placed 5 feet from a hula hoop.Encourage them to increase the height after each successful catch. Students will toss up in the air to themselves.
The level of difficulty can always be increased as the lesson progresses or even wait until the next lesson. If you have a young student in Kindergarten, the last you want to do is make the skill difficult. The key to a successful throwing & catching lesson plan is to create achievable skills.