Unit Plan 12 (Grade 2 PE): Overhand Throwing
Build Grade 2 overhand throwing skills with step-and-throw mechanics, accurate aiming at high, medium, and low wall targets, and safe, structured practice routines.
Focus: Develop overhand throwing mechanics and aim by practicing body position, arm pathway, and target accuracy at different wall heights.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Throwing Mechanics • Aim & Movement Concepts)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build throwing skills by learning how an overhand throw looks and feels when done with control. This unit helps students understand that strong overhand throwing is not just about throwing hard. It also includes facing the target, stepping with control, bringing the arm up and back, and releasing the ball toward the correct spot. Through shadow throwing, foam-ball practice, and Wall Target Throw, students work on aiming at high, medium, and low wall targets while noticing how body direction and arm pathway affect accuracy. The unit is designed to help students feel more confident throwing toward a target while using safe routines and strong body control.
Essential Questions
- How can I throw overhand with good form and control?
- What helps me aim at a target on the wall?
- How do high, medium, and low targets change the way I throw?
- How can I stay safe when many students are throwing at the same time?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic overhand throwing form using a step, arm swing, and forward release.
- Throw a foam ball toward a wall target with improving accuracy and control.
- Adjust throwing direction and aim based on high, medium, and low targets.
- Use safe class routines while throwing, retrieving equipment, and waiting for turns.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.2c – Object Control: Throwing & Catching Throw objects (e.g., yarn balls, foam balls) underhand and overhand toward a target and catch objects thrown at an appropriate distance with increasing success.
- Example: Students throw a ball overhand toward a wall target and then catch a ball tossed by a partner from a short distance.
- PE:S2.2b – Pathways, Levels, Direction Apply movement concepts such as levels (high/medium/low), pathways (straight/curved/zigzag), and directions (forward/backward/sideways) while performing skills.
- Example: Students travel through cone courses using assigned pathways and levels, such as low-level zigzag pathways.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can throw a ball overhand toward a target.
- I can step and swing my arm to help my throw go where I want it to go.
- I can aim at high, medium, and low targets on the wall.
- I can wait, throw, and get my ball safely during wall-throw activities.