This week, grades K-2 are working on the overhand throw. (See my previous
blog post for how grades 3-5 practiced the overhand throw!) We use most of the same underhand throw centers to practice overhand throw. This helps minimize time spent explaining center rules since students have already experienced the centers once before. As with underhand throw, there are three throwing practice centers and one fitness center: jumping/jumping rope.
We break the overhand throw into three parts: T, step, throw.
- T: make your body into the shape of a T, with throwing hand back and opposite hand pointing toward the target.
- Step: step with your opposite foot toward your target.
- Throw! Bring your arm OVERHAND and release the ball or beanbag!
Students practice saying the keywords several times. Then, they watch me demonstrate the throw while they say the keywords. Students then practice throwing with no ball -- while saying the keywords, and then finally, have the opportunity to practice at centers.
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| This is the poster we use for keywords. |
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In the background, students partner throw back and forth.
In the foreground, students jump: jump rope or ski jump at the fitness center. |
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| A student overhand throws with enthusiasm at the throw bowling center. |
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| Students line up to throw at our shape wall targets. Targets are bigger for lower elementary students. |
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| More wall target practice. |
With our centers, there are targets - but we emphasize form over accuracy at this point. Many students step with their same foot (instead of their opposite foot) -- and lining up into a "T" helps minimize this.
